Cognitive skills refer to a set of mental abilities and processes that enable an individual to learn, reason, remember, problem-solve, and think critically. These skills include attention, perception, memory, language use, reasoning, and judgment, among others. Cognitive skills are essential for learning, decision making, creativity, and adaptability in various aspects of life such as work, school, relationships, and self-care. They play a crucial role in determining an individual's ability to succeed academically or professionally, and can be improved through practice, training, and developmental activities.