Skillful

ADEPT

Think of someone who’s highly proficient in a particular field, like a master craftsman or an expert programmer. The word starts with "a" and rhymes with "inept," but means the opposite.

"Skillful" directly hints at someone who’s highly proficient or talented at something. The answer "ADEPT" fits perfectly because it’s a synonym for being expert or skilled in a particular area. There’s no hidden wordplay here—it’s a straightforward definition clue where the answer matches the meaning of the clue exactly. Think of it like calling a master chef "adept" in the kitchen.