Word
amateurish
Phoneticsam·a·teur·ish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæməˌtʃɝɪʃ/
UK/ˈæmətəɹɪʃ/
Definition
adj. done badly or carelessly, like work by a beginner. You use it when you expect better quality from someone.
adj. showing a lack of skill, care, or professionalism expected of trained work. Often used to criticize performance, craftsmanship, or presentation.
Examples
“His amateurish painting job leaves brush marks everywhere.”
“The restaurant's website looks amateurish, with blurry photos and broken links that drive customers away.”
“Though the proposal contained sound ideas, its amateurish formatting and inconsistent data undermined its credibility with the investors.”
Examples
simple
“His amateurish painting job leaves brush marks everywhere.”
contextual
“The restaurant's website looks amateurish, with blurry photos and broken links that drive customers away.”
complex
“Though the proposal contained sound ideas, its amateurish formatting and inconsistent data undermined its credibility with the investors.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “amateurish” in context.
Verb
01. dismiss as amateurish
“Critics dismissed his first novel as amateurish and poorly edited.”
verb + prep + adj
02. look amateurish
“The website looks amateurish and needs a complete redesign.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. extremely amateurish
“The special effects in the film were extremely amateurish.”
adv + adj
Noun
04. amateurish attempt
“His first amateurish attempt at plumbing caused a serious leak.”
adj + noun
05. amateurish design
“The poster had an amateurish design with clashing colours.”
adj + noun
06. amateurish mistake
“The lawyer made an amateurish mistake that lost the case.”
adj + noun
07. amateurish performance
“The team gave an amateurish performance and lost 4-0.”
adj + noun
08. amateurish video
“The company released an amateurish video to promote the product.”
adj + noun
09. a rather amateurish attempt
“His first short film was a rather amateurish attempt at horror.”
10. amateurish performance from the team
“Fans booed after another amateurish performance from the team.”
11. dismissed as amateurish by critics
“The low-budget sequel was dismissed as amateurish by critics.”
12. look amateurish by comparison
“Our uniforms look amateurish by comparison with the other team's kit.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also follows linking verbs such as 'look' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“But you can’t help but feel like the avalanche of faux-amateurish, kindergarten-grade ceramics that are so popular these days might all be Warren’s fault.” “Identifying that a position needs strengthening, then failing to do so, seems amateurish and cannot have delighted Carrick.” “Harry Maguire’s tilt for glory from 25 yards that smacked into a colleague was also amateurish, but as the break neared Rashford’s effort was better.” “The Everton fans’ forum and Everton fan advisory board issued statements on Wednesday criticising the club’s amateurish, unambitious approach to the transfer window.” Etymology
From amateur + -ish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/amateurish