Amateurs: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe people who engage in an activity without professional training or expertise. While it might not always be negative, it can sometimes imply a lack of skill or experience.

• The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
• The amateur performance was charming, despite a few mistakes.

This word applies to someone who is new to a particular field or activity. It's similar to 'beginner' but can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• As a novice chef, he's still learning how to cook basic dishes.
• The novice skier cautiously made his way down the beginner slope.

This word is used for someone who is just starting to learn or engage in an activity. It doesn’t carry any negative connotation; it simply describes someone who is new to something.

• She is a beginner at playing the guitar, so she's taking lessons.
• The class is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is required.

This word suggests someone who engages in an activity casually or irregularly, without serious commitment. It can imply a lack of seriousness or depth of involvement.

• He is a dabbler in photography, taking pictures only on weekends.
• As a dabbler in many hobbies, she never really masters any of them.

This term is used to describe someone who is not engaged in an activity as their main job or profession. It is neutral and focuses on the formal aspect rather than implying skill level.

• The competition is open to both professionals and non-professionals
• She sings beautifully, although she’s a non-professional

This term is used for someone who engages in an activity regularly for pleasure rather than for financial benefit. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

• She is a gardening hobbyist and spends her weekends in the garden
• As a hobbyist, he spends his free time building model airplanes

This word is used to describe people who engage in an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of skill or experience.

• The competition is open to both professionals and amateurs.
• The painting looks like it was done by an amateur.

This word is best used when emphasizing a lack of experience in a specific area or field. It usually does not carry a strong positive or negative connotation by itself.

• She is an inexperienced driver and needs more practice.
• The team hired an inexperienced candidate for the position.

This word is used to describe someone who lacks specific skills or expertise. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the person is not good at the task.

• Many unskilled workers are seeking jobs that offer training.
• The unskilled labor force faces many challenges in the economy.

This word is suitable for describing someone who is new to a particular activity or field. It usually implies that the person is learning and expects to gain more skill over time.

• As a novice, he still has a lot to learn about programming.
• The class is designed for novices and covers the basics.