Unskilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unskilled

[ʌnˈskɪld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

workforce

Lacking the necessary skills or qualifications for a particular job or task.

Synonyms

incompetent, inexperienced, unqualified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unskilled	Use to describe someone who does not have special skills or training for a particular job or task. Often used in manual labor contexts. He was hired for the unskilled position at the factory. Many unskilled workers are seeking opportunities to gain new skills.
inexperienced	Use to describe someone who lacks experience or is new to a job, task, or field. This word does not necessarily carry a negative connotation; it can suggest a need for training. Although she's talented, she's still inexperienced in project management. The manager paired the inexperienced employee with a seasoned mentor.
unqualified	Use to describe someone who lacks the required qualifications, certifications, or standards for a job or position. Often used in more formal settings. He was unqualified for the engineering position because he lacked a degree. The candidate was deemed unqualified based on her resume.
incompetent	Use to describe someone who lacks the ability or efficiency to do a job or task properly. This word has a negative connotation and suggests a lack of basic ability. The project failed because of the incompetent management. She was deemed incompetent and was let go from her job.

Examples of usage

He was assigned the unskilled labor because of his lack of experience.
The unskilled workers received basic training to improve their abilities.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Not possessing or demonstrating any special skills or talents.

Synonyms

amateur, inept, untrained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unskilled	Refers to someone who lacks specific skills or training often necessary for a particular job or task, but does not imply incompetence. The factory job required unskilled labor He's unskilled in programming but willing to learn
amateur	Describes someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than professional reasons, often implying a certain level of lack of expertise compared to a professional. She plays tennis as an amateur, not in any professional league The amateur photographer took some surprisingly good pictures
inept	Carries a negative connotation, indicating a lack of skill and often implying clumsiness or incompetence in performing tasks. His inept handling of the situation made things worse She's inept at cooking; everything she makes turns out poorly
untrained	Indicates a lack of formal training or education in a specific skill set, but does not necessarily imply a complete lack of ability. Although untrained in first aid, he did his best to help She's untrained for the role but shows great potential

Examples of usage

She was considered unskilled in the art of negotiation.
The unskilled musician struggled to play even the simplest tunes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'unskilled'

The word 'unskilled' originated in the mid-19th century, formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'skilled'. It is commonly used in the context of labor and workforce to describe individuals who lack the necessary skills or qualifications for a particular job.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,157, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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