Have you ever met someone who seems to excel at everything they try—whether it’s work, sports, or creativity? You might say, “They’re good at everything!” But using the same phrase repeatedly can sound repetitive or too casual, especially in formal writing or professional settings.
Knowing other ways to say someone is good at everything helps you sound more fluent and precise. Different phrases can express admiration, respect, or even a touch of humor—depending on your tone.
Let’s explore several alternatives to “good at everything” that fit various contexts: formal, informal, spoken, or written.
💡 What Does “Good at Everything” Mean?
The phrase “good at everything” means that someone is skilled, talented, or capable in many areas.
Grammatically, it’s a subject + linking verb + adjective phrase structure (e.g., She is good at everything).
It describes someone who seems naturally talented, adaptable, or quick to learn across different tasks or subjects.
🕓 When to Use “Good at Everything”
Use “good at everything” in casual speech when you want to compliment someone’s all-around abilities without sounding too formal.
âś… Examples:
- My brother is good at everything—sports, music, cooking, you name it!
- She’s that person who’s just good at everything she tries.
đź’¬ Usage Contexts:
| Context | Suitable? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Conversation | ✅ Yes | “He’s good at everything he does.” |
| Work Email | ⚠️ Sometimes | “You seem very capable in many areas.” |
| Academic Writing | ❌ No | Too informal; use “multitalented” instead. |
| Presentation or Speech | ✅ Yes | “Our team member is truly versatile.” |
🧠Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Good at Everything”?
The phrase is polite, but not always professional.
In business or academic contexts, it may sound vague or exaggerated. Instead, use precise alternatives like “versatile,” “multi-skilled,” or “highly capable.”
Example (informal):
“Jake’s good at everything. He even fixed the printer!”
Example (formal):
“Jake is a versatile professional with a wide range of skills.”
Tone matters! Choose based on who you’re talking to.
⚖️ Pros and Cons of Using “Good at Everything”
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Easy to understand | Sounds generic or childish |
| Works well in casual speech | Not specific in formal settings |
| Expresses admiration | Can sound exaggerated |
| Fits natural conversation | Doesn’t highlight particular strengths |
🧠24+ Other Ways to Say Someone Is Good at Everything (With Examples)
Below are versatile synonyms and alternatives for “good at everything.”
Each comes with meaning, usage, and example sentences to help you sound natural and confident.
1. Multitalented
Meaning: Skilled in many different areas.
Explanation: Describes someone with multiple talents or abilities.
Example Sentence: Emma is a multitalented artist who sings, paints, and dances.
Best Use: Formal, written, or spoken.
Worst Use: Sarcastic or casual jokes.
Tone: Formal and respectful.
2. Versatile
Meaning: Able to adapt and perform well in different situations.
Explanation: Highlights flexibility and broad skill range.
Example Sentence: Mark is a versatile employee who can handle any task.
Best Use: Professional, business, or resumes.
Worst Use: Deeply personal compliments.
Tone: Neutral and polished.
3. All-Rounder
Meaning: Someone skilled in many activities.
Explanation: Common in British and Indian English; used in sports or general contexts.
Example Sentence: She’s an all-rounder—great at studies and sports.
Best Use: Informal and conversational.
Worst Use: Formal business reports.
Tone: Friendly and casual.
4. Jack of All Trades
Meaning: Someone who can do many types of work.
Explanation: Often positive, but sometimes implies lack of mastery.
Example Sentence: Tom’s a jack of all trades—he fixes cars, builds furniture, and designs websites.
Best Use: Casual conversation.
Worst Use: Formal introductions.
Tone: Neutral to informal.
5. Gifted
Meaning: Naturally talented or intelligent.
Explanation: Suggests someone was born with natural ability.
Example Sentence: Lena is gifted—she learns new things incredibly fast.
Best Use: Academic or personal praise.
Worst Use: Overused in workplaces.
Tone: Positive and admiring.
6. Skilled
Meaning: Having expertise or ability through practice.
Explanation: Focuses on learned ability rather than natural talent.
Example Sentence: He’s highly skilled in both leadership and technical work.
Best Use: Business, resumes, job interviews.
Worst Use: Everyday casual speech (sounds too formal).
Tone: Professional and factual.
7. Accomplished
Meaning: Recognized for achieving success in various areas.
Explanation: Often used to describe professionals or artists.
Example Sentence: She’s an accomplished pianist and writer.
Best Use: Formal, written, or professional.
Worst Use: Jokes or sarcasm.
Tone: Elegant and respectful.
8. Talented
Meaning: Naturally good at something.
Explanation: A simple, common compliment for people who excel.
Example Sentence: He’s a talented musician and a great cook.
Best Use: General compliment.
Worst Use: Overuse may sound shallow.
Tone: Friendly and positive.
9. Prodigy
Meaning: A person with exceptional talent, especially at a young age.
Explanation: Used for someone unusually skilled early in life.
Example Sentence: Mozart was a musical prodigy.
Best Use: Academic or artistic contexts.
Worst Use: Adult professionals (unless metaphorical).
Tone: Formal and impressive.
10. Polymath
Meaning: A person with knowledge in many subjects.
Explanation: Describes intellectual excellence in various fields.
Example Sentence: Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath.
Best Use: Academic, formal writing.
Worst Use: Everyday speech.
Tone: Formal and intellectual.
11. High Achiever
Meaning: Someone who consistently performs well.
Explanation: Common in schools or workplaces.
Example Sentence: Sophie is a high achiever who meets every goal.
Best Use: Professional, educational.
Worst Use: Overused in HR language.
Tone: Professional and admiring.
12. Natural
Meaning: Someone who does something easily or effortlessly.
Explanation: Implies innate ability rather than training.
Example Sentence: He’s a natural at public speaking.
Best Use: Informal, friendly compliments.
Worst Use: Technical writing.
Tone: Friendly and casual.
13. Well-Rounded
Meaning: Developed and skilled in many areas.
Explanation: Suggests balance between different skills or traits.
Example Sentence: A well-rounded student excels in academics, arts, and sports.
Best Use: Academic, professional profiles.
Worst Use: Casual speech.
Tone: Formal and balanced.
14. Ace
Meaning: A person who’s the best at something.
Explanation: Informal word often used in sports or games.
Example Sentence: She’s an ace at problem-solving.
Best Use: Informal or motivational talk.
Worst Use: Academic writing.
Tone: Energetic and casual.
15. Powerhouse
Meaning: A person full of energy, talent, and productivity.
Explanation: Suggests both skill and strength.
Example Sentence: Our manager is a powerhouse of ideas and execution.
Best Use: Motivational or workplace praise.
Worst Use: Strictly academic text.
Tone: Emphatic and admiring.
16. Top Performer
Meaning: Someone who consistently delivers high results.
Explanation: Used in business or corporate evaluations.
Example Sentence: He’s one of our top performers this quarter.
Best Use: Business, HR, corporate.
Worst Use: Personal compliments.
Tone: Professional and formal.
17. Master of Many
Meaning: Skilled in multiple disciplines.
Explanation: Positive twist on “Jack of all trades.”
Example Sentence: She’s a master of many—from writing to coding.
Best Use: Creative, motivational speech.
Worst Use: Technical reports.
Tone: Inspirational and positive.
18. Go-Getter
Meaning: Someone who’s ambitious and successful in many things.
Explanation: Emphasizes motivation and results.
Example Sentence: Ryan’s a real go-getter who makes things happen.
Best Use: Informal or workplace talk.
Worst Use: Academic writing.
Tone: Upbeat and casual.
19. Competent in All Areas
Meaning: Proficient and capable across various fields.
Explanation: A more formal, business-safe version of “good at everything.”
Example Sentence: She’s competent in all areas of project management.
Best Use: Professional, HR, business communication.
Worst Use: Everyday chat.
Tone: Formal and polite.
20. Exceptional
Meaning: Outstanding or far above average.
Explanation: Can apply to overall talent or a specific skill.
Example Sentence: His performance was exceptional in every aspect.
Best Use: Professional praise, awards, reviews.
Worst Use: Informal talk.
Tone: Formal and admiring.
📊 Comparison Table — Top 7 Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Context | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versatile | Neutral | Professional, resumes | “A versatile employee with diverse skills.” |
| Multitalented | Formal | Academic, creative | “A multitalented designer and musician.” |
| All-Rounder | Friendly | Everyday speech | “He’s an all-rounder in sports.” |
| Polymath | Formal | Academic | “She’s a modern-day polymath.” |
| Natural | Casual | Conversation | “He’s a natural at storytelling.” |
| High Achiever | Professional | Work, school | “She’s known as a high achiever.” |
| Powerhouse | Emphatic | Motivational | “A powerhouse of ideas and innovation.” |
âť“ FAQs
1. What’s a polite way to say someone is good at everything?
Use words like versatile, multitalented, or accomplished for polite and formal situations.
2. Can I say “good at everything” in a job interview?
It’s better to use specific phrases like multi-skilled or competent in various areas.
3. What’s the difference between “talented” and “skilled”?
Talented means natural ability, while skilled means ability developed through practice.
4. What’s a humorous way to say someone is good at everything?
Try jack of all trades or master of many for a light, friendly tone.
5. Is “good at everything” always positive?
Mostly yes, but in some contexts, it might sound like exaggeration or flattery.
🎯 Conclusion
Learning other ways to say someone is good at everything helps you sound more natural, confident, and professional.
Instead of repeating the same phrase, choose expressions that match your tone and context—whether you’re writing an email, complimenting a friend, or describing a coworker.
Experiment with new phrases like versatile, multitalented, or accomplished to enrich your vocabulary and make your English communication shine.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.