amateur
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who takes part in a sport or activity for pleasure, not as a job.
n.one who engages in a pursuit, study, or science as a pastime rather than as a profession.
Simple“The tournament is open to both professionals and amateurs who play for fun.”
In context“While he remained an amateur throughout his life, his contributions to local botany were respected by university researchers.”
UsageOften used in contrast with 'professional'.
Synonymshobbyistnon professionalAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.someone who does not have much skill or experience in a specific task.
n.a person perceived as lacking the necessary expertise, qualification, or proficiency for a specific role.
Simple“The plumbing was a mess because it was clearly installed by an amateur.”
In context“The board dismissed the proposal as the work of an amateur who failed to account for basic market volatility.”
Teacher's tipIn this sense, the word is often used as an insult to imply poor quality work.
SynonymsnovicelaymanAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.done by people who are not paid, or done for a hobby.
adj.relating to or performed by amateurs; not professional in status or compensation.
Simple“She joined a local amateur dramatic society to meet new people.”
In context“The amateur league maintains strict rules to ensure that no player receives financial compensation for their participation.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“An uninhabited Irish island fills up one day each summer for a treasured amateur horse race in which young jockeys ride across the shifting sands.”
“The WPGA Tour of Australasia called her an “outstanding young talent” who turned professional at the end of 2025 following a stellar amateur career.”
Borrowed from French amateur, from Latin amātor (“lover”), from amāre (“to love”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.