Unskilled — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌən-ˈskild/ un·skilled

Meaning & Definition of Unskilled

Unskilled (adjective)

  1. not skilled in a branch of work, lacking technical training
  2. not requiring skill
  3. marked by lack of skill

Unskilled (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking or showing a lack of expert skill

    "an unskilled handling of the facial features in the portrait explains why it is attributed to school of Velázquez and not to the master himself"

    similar: amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, 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

  2. lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

    "hired unskilled workers because they would work for lower wages"

    similar: inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskillful
    related: ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional, unequipped, unprepared, untrained, useless, worthless, disqualified, ineligible, wanting
    opposite: able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent
    near: prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unskilled

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unskilled:

amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskillful, inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unskilled

Words with the opposite meaning of Unskilled:

ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful, masterly, professional, virtuosic, virtuoso, able, capable, competent, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words for Unskilled

curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, 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

Near Antonyms of Unskilled

accomplished, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile, well-rounded, finished, polished, slick, ready, overqualified

Origin & Etymology of Unskilled

First known use: 1559

Frequently Asked Questions about Unskilled

What does "Unskilled" mean?

"Unskilled" means not skilled in a branch of work, lacking technical training. As an adjective, it is defined as: not skilled in a branch of work, lacking technical training. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Unskilled"?

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

What are different ways to say "Unskilled"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unskilled". Common alternatives include amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional and unskillful.

What is the opposite of "Unskilled"?

Antonyms of "Unskilled" include ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful and masterly. Near antonyms include accomplished, dexterous, gifted and habile.

How do you use "Unskilled" in a sentence?

Examples of "Unskilled" in a sentence: "an unskilled handling of the facial features in the portrait explains why it is attributed to school of Velázquez and not to the master himself"; "hired unskilled workers because they would work for lower wages".

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

"Unskilled" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Unskilled"?

"Unskilled" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈskild/ and divided into syllables as un·skilled.

What is the origin of the word "Unskilled"?

First known use: 1559.