'unskilled' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'skilled', which comes from Old Norse 'skilja', meaning 'to discern'.

'skilja' transformed into the Middle English word 'skillen', and eventually became the modern English word 'skilled'. The prefix 'un-' was added to form 'unskilled'.

Initially, 'skilled' meant 'to discern or separate', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having special ability'. 'Unskilled' thus means lacking this ability.