amateur
n. · adj.-
1 non-professional (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person who takes part in a sport or activity for pleasure, not as a job.
one who engages in a pursuit, study, or science as a pastime rather than as a profession.
ExampleThe tournament is open to both professionals and amateurs who play for fun.
ExampleWhile he remained an amateur throughout his life, his contributions to local botany were respected by university researchers.
UsageOften used in contrast with 'professional'.
- hobbyist
- non professional
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2 unskilled person (n.) C1 Advanced Informalsomeone who does not have much skill or experience in a specific task.
a person perceived as lacking the necessary expertise, qualification, or proficiency for a specific role.
ExampleThe plumbing was a mess because it was clearly installed by an amateur.
ExampleThe 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.
- novice
- layman
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3 not professional (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatedone by people who are not paid, or done for a hobby.
relating to or performed by amateurs; not professional in status or compensation.
ExampleShe joined a local amateur dramatic society to meet new people.
ExampleThe amateur league maintains strict rules to ensure that no player receives financial compensation for their participation.
Borrowed from French amateur, from Latin amātor (“lover”), from amāre (“to love”).