Able

adj.capableeveryday

What it means

Possessing the skill or practical capacity to do something well.

Reach for it when describing someone who can be trusted with a task

Mara is an able negotiator who keeps difficult talks productive.

everyday
capable
the person has the overall ability to handle the work
not when Skill in one narrow technique calls for proficient, not this broad judgment.
everyday
skilled
practice has produced a clear practical ability
not when Potential without demonstrated technique is better described as capable.
warm
resourceful
the person succeeds by finding clever ways around constraints
not when Plenty of resources and routine expertise do not show resourcefulness.
professional
competent
the person reliably meets an expected standard
not when Exceptional mastery deserves expert or accomplished instead.
professional
effective
results matter more than the person's underlying talent
not when This evaluates impact, so it misses praise aimed at skill itself.
professional
proficient
ability in a named tool, language, or method matters
not when It sounds too technical for a general tribute to someone's good judgment.
formal
qualified
credentials or required experience establish suitability
not when Do not choose it when no formal requirement or selection decision is involved.
literary
adept
you want to praise ease and finesse in a particular activity
not when For dependable adequacy without special flair, competent is the safer word.