unskilled

adjective

un·​skilled ˌən-ˈskild 

1

: not skilled in a branch of work : lacking technical training

an unskilled worker

2

: not requiring skill

unskilled jobs

3

: marked by lack of skill

produced unskilled poems

Synonyms

• amateur
• amateurish
• dilettante
• dilettantish
• inexperienced
• inexpert
• jackleg
• nonprofessional
• unprofessional
• unskillful

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Fritz could acquire land near the city, hire both skilled and unskilled labor, and insert his new company in the trade and finance links the city had with the outside world, thanks to the social capital present in the city and his access to it. —Peter Vanham, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2024

The researchers use a number of examples: the toolmaking done by our primate relatives, asking unskilled humans to make a stone tool, and random chipping of rocks. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 18 June 2024

While the industrialists did become richer at a faster rate than the average laborer, unskilled workers also experienced significant increases in wealth due to the industrial economy. —Jacob Swartz, Orange County Register, 14 May 2024

With this drug in unskilled hands, this sleep was permanent. —Katherine Harmon, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unskilled

adjective

un·​skilled ˌən-ˈskild 

ˈən-

1

: not skilled

especially : not skilled in a branch of work : lacking mechanical training

an unskilled worker

2

: not requiring skill

unskilled jobs

3

: marked by lack of skill

an unskilled painting