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Definitions

makings

NOUN
competence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appropriateness capability capacity competency expertise fitness know-how proficiency qualification savvy skill suitability
STRONG
adequacy might moxie
WEAK
cutting it cutting the mustard hacking it making the grade qualifiedness the goods the right stuff what it takes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance impotence inability inappropriateness incompetence ineptness lack
WEAK
inadequacy incapability inefficience
NOUN
component
Synonyms
STRONGEST
factor ingredient item peripheral piece segment unit
STRONG
constituent fixings making plug-in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
whole
NOUN
constituent
Synonyms
STRONG
board component division essential factor fraction ingredient part plug-in portion principle unit
WEAK
fixins part and parcel
Antonyms
STRONG
entirety whole
NOUN
expertise
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ability competence facility know-how proficiency prowess savvy skill
STRONG
adroitness aptness art bag chops cleverness command craft deftness dexterity expertness finesse goods ingeniousness judgment knack line mastery readiness skillfulness stuff
WEAK
ableness cunning dodge masterliness one's thing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability inadequacy incapability incompetence ineptness weakness
STRONG
lack
WEAK
clumsiness stupidity
NOUN
expertise/expertness
Synonyms
WEAK
ability ableness adroitness aptness art cleverness command competence craft cunning deftness dexterity dodge facility finesse goods ingeniousness judgment knack know-how line oil one's thing prowess readiness savvy sharpness skill skillfulness stuff
Antonyms
WEAK
ignorance inexpertness lack
NOUN
proficiency
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aptitude competence dexterity efficiency expertise know-how knowledge mastery savvy skill
STRONG
accomplishment advance advancement chops expertness facility formula headway knack learning moxie oil progress stuff talent
WEAK
green thumb right stuff what it takes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability incapability incapacity incompetence inefficiency ineptness lack
STRONG
block decline failure halt retreat retrogression stop stoppage
WEAK
clumsiness
NOUN
qualification
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplishment adequacy capability competence eligibility experience fitness quality skill suitability
STRONG
attainment attribute capacity endowment goods might stuff suitableness
WEAK
qualifiedness what it takes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability inadequacy incapability incompetence ineptness inexperience
STRONG
loss weakness
WEAK
disqualification inaptitude lack
NOUN
skill
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplishment art artistry clout competence dexterity experience expertise finesse ingenuity intelligence job know-how proficiency prowess quickness readiness savvy technique
STRONG
address adroitness aptitude cleverness command craft cunning deftness dodge ease expertness facility goods handiness knack line moxie profession skillfulness sleight smarts stuff trade
WEAK
expertism one's thing right stuff what it takes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clumsiness ignorance inability incompetence ineptness lack
STRONG
avocation difficulty entertainment fun stupidity
WEAK
incapability incapacity inexperience

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This is all the makings of the most hated V-shaped rally again,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Initially thinking it had the makings of a short film, Dunlop thought the reality format was something to consider as the genre gained traction in the early aughts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

We don’t see the makings of a lasting rally, but with sentiment and positioning this one-sided, the setup for a sharp countertrend bounce is hard to ignore.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

The makings are available for a new national elite if we can just change the incentives and criteria by which people enter the national elite.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

But before I could say anything, Coach Mustilli added, “I know a star when I see one, Ibti, and you have the makings of a great saber fencer.”

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad