Amateurish: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing work or behavior that lacks polish and skill, often giving the impression of someone who is not a professional.

• The painting looked amateurish, with uneven lines and poor color choices.
• His performance seemed amateurish compared to other musicians.

Describes someone who lacks experience or practice in a particular area. It does not necessarily imply inherent lack of ability, just a need for more practice.

• The company hired a lot of inexperienced workers.
• As an inexperienced driver, she found city traffic overwhelming.

Carries a negative connotation when discussing behavior that is inappropriate for a professional setting. It implies not adhering to expected standards of professionalism.

• His unprofessional behavior at the meeting shocked everyone.
• Showing up late to work is considered unprofessional.

Appropriate when referring to physical awkwardness or lack of coordination. It can also imply carelessness or lack of skill in performing tasks.

• She spilled the drink with a clumsy movement.
• His clumsy attempt to fix the sink caused more damage.

Describes someone who lacks the skills necessary for a specific job or task. This term often has a broader implication than 'inexperienced' and can refer to general incompetence.

• The factory relies heavily on unskilled labor.
• He is unskilled in using computers.

Suitable when describing something done by someone without professional skills, giving a sense of it being non-perfect but without harsh judgment. It's often used more gently.

• The painting looked amateurish, but it had a certain charm.
• Her performance was a bit amateurish, but she clearly enjoyed herself.

Used to describe behavior or actions that do not meet the standards expected in a professional environment. It suggests a breach of professional conduct or ethics.

• His unprofessional behavior during the meeting surprised everyone.
• Sending personal emails at work is considered unprofessional.

Best used when describing someone who is completely lacking in skill or ability in a way that is obvious and almost embarrassing. This word often carries a stronger negative connotation.

• His inept handling of the situation made things worse.
• She was completely inept at cooking and burned everything.

Appropriate when referring to someone who lacks specialized skills or training in a particular area. It is often used in a neutral context, referring to a lack of formal training.

• The job requires unskilled labor, so no prior experience is needed.
• As an unskilled worker, he faced many challenges in finding a good job.