Amateurish — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈa-mə-chər/ am·a·teur

Meaning & Definition of Amateurish

Amateurish (noun)

  1. one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession
  2. one lacking in experience and competence in an art or science
  3. devotee, admirer

Amateurish (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking or showing a lack of expert skill

    "that's an amateurish wallpapering job—the pattern doesn't match at the seams"

    similar: amateur, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful
    related: curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, awkward, clumsy, ham-fisted, ham-handed, heavy-handed, crude, defective, faulty, flawed, primitive, unfinished, unpolished, beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, would-be, incapable, incompetent, talentless, unable, unfit, ungifted, untalented
    opposite: ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful, masterly, professional, virtuosic, virtuoso
    near: able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, qualified, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile, well-rounded, finished, polished, slick

Related Entry: Amateur (noun)

Amateur is a different word from Amateurish. The synonyms below are for amateur, not for amateurish.

  1. a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession

    "an amateur photographer who has won a number of photo contests"

    similar: dabbler, dilettante, hobbyist, layman, nonexpert, nonprofessional, potterer, putterer, tinkerer
    related: all-rounder (British), generalist, general practitioner, jack-of-all-trades, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan
    opposite: authority, expert, pro, professional, specialist

  2. a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science

    "a homemade doghouse that looked like it was built by an amateur who hadn't mastered basic carpentry"

    similar: hack, hacker, inexpert, jackleg, trifler
    related: beginner, freshman, greenhorn, kid, learner, neophyte, newcomer, novice, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro
    opposite: ace, adept, crackerjack, craftsman, expert, hand, master, past master, shark, sharp
    near: maestro, virtuoso, whiz, wizard, old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Amateurish

The most common words with a similar meaning to Amateurish:

amateur, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Amateurish

Words with the opposite meaning of Amateurish:

ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful, masterly, professional, virtuosic, virtuoso

Related Words for Amateurish

curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, awkward, clumsy, ham-fisted, ham-handed, heavy-handed, crude, defective, faulty, flawed, primitive, unfinished, unpolished, beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried

Near Antonyms of Amateurish

able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, qualified, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile

Word Forms of Amateurish

Derived words: amateur (adjective), amateurish (adjective), amateurishly (adverb), amateurishness (noun), amateurism (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Amateurish

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, "one who loves, lover," borrowed from Latin amātor "lover, enthusiastic admirer, devotee," from amāre "to have affection for, love, be in love, make love to" (of uncertain origin) + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix

First known use: 1757

Frequently Asked Questions about Amateurish

What does "Amateurish" mean?

"Amateurish" means one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession.

What is another word for "Amateurish"?

Other words for "Amateurish" include amateur, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional and unprofessional. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Amateurish" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Amateurish"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Amateurish". Common alternatives include amateur, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled and unskillful.

What is the opposite of "Amateurish"?

Antonyms of "Amateurish" include ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful and masterly. Near antonyms include able, accomplished, capable and competent.

How do you use "Amateurish" in a sentence?

Examples of "Amateurish" in a sentence: "that's an amateurish wallpapering job—the pattern doesn't match at the seams".

Is "Amateurish" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Amateurish" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Amateurish"?

"Amateurish" is pronounced /ˈa-mə-chər/ and divided into syllables as am·a·teur.

What is the origin of the word "Amateurish"?

"Amateurish" comes from borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, "one who loves, lover," borrowed from Latin amātor "lover, enthusiastic admirer, devotee," from amāre "to have affection for, love, be in love, make love to" (of uncertain origin) + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix. First known use: 1757.