single-hand

One palm only

Single-hand means to do something alone that typically requires multiple people, especially to sail a boat without crew: She single-handed across the Atlantic.

The word emphasizes self-reliance and capability.

As an adjective, single-handed describes solo accomplishment: a single-handed rescue, He built the cabin single-handed.

unassisted

unaided

Without external support

soloPerformance by one
aloneWithout others present
independentFree from external control

unaccompanied · autonomous · self-reliant · individual · unsupported · one-armed · handsfree · solitary · unilateral

operation

operate

Control or perform surgery

manipulateControl through clever influence
handlePart for gripping
controlAuthority to direct

manage · steer · adjust · activate · grip · wield · maneuver · switch · toggle · press

dexterity

grip

Secure manual hold

graspSeize or understand
manipulationUnderhanded control of others
coordinationOrganized cooperative movement

control · precision · finesse · deftness · nimbleness · tactility · skillfulness · proficiency · handiness · agility

Opposites

number of hands used

single-handtwo-handed

Requiring both palms

two-fisted · double-handed · both-handed · bimanual · ambidextrous

assistance/collaboration

single-handcollaborative

Involving shared effort

joint effort · assisted · aided · cooperative · collectively

sailing crew configuration

single-handcrewed

Staffed with workers

double-handed · manned

Family

single, hand, singly, singles, singled, singling, singleton, hands, handed

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G