Unskillful: meaning, definitions and examples

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unskillful

[ʌnˈskɪlfəl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

Lacking skill or expertise in a particular area, often resulting in mistakes or poor performance.

Word	Description / Examples
unskillful	This term is generally used to describe someone who lacks skill or proficiency in a certain area. It is neutral in tone and can be used in formal or informal settings. Her unskillful handling of the project caused delays.
incompetent	This term is used to describe someone who is not capable of doing their job properly. It has a strong negative connotation and is usually used in serious contexts. The manager was fired because he was incompetent and couldn't lead the team effectively.
amateurish	This word is often used to describe work that appears to be done by someone who is not a professional. It can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of polish or experience. The painting looked amateurish compared to the other artworks in the gallery.
inept	This word describes someone who is clumsy or awkward in performing tasks. It is generally used in a negative sense. His inept attempts at fixing the car only made the problem worse
clumsy	This word is mostly used to describe physical awkwardness or inefficiency. It can apply to both people and objects and often carries a mildly negative connotation. He is so clumsy that he keeps knocking things over.

The word 'unskillful' comes from adding 'un-' (meaning not) to the word 'skillful,' which means good at something.
Originally, the parts of this word appeared in Middle English as 'unskeelful,' which meant lacking skill.
The suffix '-ful' typically denotes having a certain quality, while 'un-' negates it, creating an interesting contrast.

Studies show that initial unskillfulness can lead to greater mastery over time, since mistakes often teach us the most.
People often overestimate their skill level in the 'Dunning-Kruger effect,' which explains why some may not recognize their unskillfulness.
The process of learning gradually leads to a shift from unskillfulness to skillfulness, highlighting the importance of practice.

In teaching environments, encouraging healthy risk-taking can help students move through periods of unskillfulness more effectively.
Educators often utilize 'gradual release of responsibility,' where students move from unskillful to skilled through guided practice.
Peer collaboration allows those who might feel unskillful to learn from others, building confidence and competence.

In many cultures, there's a strong belief that everyone starts as unskillful in any new task, emphasizing the importance of persistence.
Certain jobs or crafts hold a tradition of apprenticeship, where beginners experience unskillfulness before becoming masters.
Society often embraces unskillfulness in art, where the raw and unpolished can be seen as creative expressions.

Characters in movies often begin as unskillful but undergo character development to become heroes and experts by the end.
Many viral internet videos highlight funny moments of unskillfulness, underscoring that everyone has moments when they aren't great at something.
Reality shows frequently feature contestants who are initially unskillful but grow throughout the competition, captivating audiences.

Translations of the word "unskillful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inepto

🇮🇳 अकुशल

🇩🇪 ungeschickt

🇮🇩 tidak mahir

🇺🇦 некваліфікований

🇵🇱 niezdolny

🇯🇵 不器用 (bukiyou)

🇫🇷 maladroit

🇪🇸 inepto

🇹🇷 beceriksiz

🇰🇷 서투른 (seotureun)

🇸🇦 غير ماهر (ghayr maahir)

🇨🇿 nešikovný

🇸🇰 nešikovný

🇨🇳 不熟练的 (bù shúliàn de)

🇸🇮 nespreten

🇮🇸 óhæfur

🇰🇿 шебер емес

🇬🇪 უუნარო

🇦🇿 bacarıqsız

🇲🇽 inepto