# amateur

/ˈæməˌtɝ/ (US) · /ˈæmətɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amateur
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. non-professional

noun · CEFR B2

a person who takes part in a sport or activity for pleasure, not as a job.

For teachers: one who engages in a pursuit, study, or science as a pastime rather than as a profession.

- The tournament is open to both professionals and amateurs who play for fun.
- While he remained an amateur throughout his life, his contributions to local botany were respected by university researchers.

Usage: Often used in contrast with 'professional'.

### 2. unskilled person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

someone who does not have much skill or experience in a specific task.

For teachers: a person perceived as lacking the necessary expertise, qualification, or proficiency for a specific role.

- The plumbing was a mess because it was clearly installed by an amateur.
- The board dismissed the proposal as the work of an amateur who failed to account for basic market volatility.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word is often used as an insult to imply poor quality work.

### 3. not professional

adjective · CEFR B2

done by people who are not paid, or done for a hobby.

For teachers: relating to or performed by amateurs; not professional in status or compensation.

- She joined a local amateur dramatic society to meet new people.
- The amateur league maintains strict rules to ensure that no player receives financial compensation for their participation.

## Examples

- The local theater group is made up of talented amateurs.
- Although he is just an amateur, his photography skills are good enough to be featured in national magazines.
- The distinction between the professional athlete and the dedicated amateur has blurred significantly as training methods and equipment have become more accessible to the general public.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.