'skill-specific' originates from the combination of 'skill' and 'specific', where 'skill' refers to the ability to do something well and 'specific' means clearly defined or identified.

'Skill' and 'specific' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, with 'skill' deriving from Old Norse 'skil' meaning 'discernment' and 'specific' from Latin 'specificus'.

Initially, 'skill' referred to discernment or knowledge, while 'specific' meant clearly defined. Together, they evolved to mean something tailored to a particular ability.