Jack-of-all-trades

n. capable, resilient everyday

What it means

A person competent at many different kinds of practical work.

Reach for it when praising useful versatility without claiming mastery of every field

The jack-of-all-trades repaired the gate, tuned the piano, and fixed the stage lights.

Words to choose between 7

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
playful
everyday
warm
professional
formal
  • playful

    utility player

    Fits when a team member fills several roles whenever needed

    Careful The sporting metaphor lacks the formality needed in a biography.

  • everyday

    all-rounder

    Fits when broad ability matters in a compact British expression

    Careful All-rounder often suggests balanced performance within one field, not skills across unrelated trades.

  • everyday

    handyperson

    Fits when repair and maintenance skills are the useful focus

    Careful Handyperson narrows the praise to practical repairs and omits intellectual or artistic range.

  • warm

    multitalented

    Fits when several demonstrated abilities deserve direct praise

    Careful Multitalented can imply exceptional gifts when the evidence shows reliable competence.

  • professional

    generalist

    Fits when breadth across disciplines is the recognized career strength

    Careful Generalist sounds occupational and says nothing about hands-on resourcefulness.

  • professional

    versatile

    Fits when someone adapts effectively to varied roles or methods

    Careful Versatile may describe flexibility within a single craft rather than many distinct crafts.

  • formal

    polymath

    Fits when deep achievement spans several intellectual or artistic domains

    Careful Polymath badly overstates ordinary practical competence across routine jobs.

Opposites 3

  • specialist
  • novice
  • one-trick pony

Common phrases 3

  • a real jack-of-all-trades

    Mina became a real jack-of-all-trades during the theater renovation.

  • resident jack-of-all-trades

    The resident jack-of-all-trades kept the small museum running through winter.

  • helpful jack-of-all-trades

    A helpful jack-of-all-trades showed the volunteers how to mend each display.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated