Word
unskilled
Phoneticsun·skilled, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈskɪɫd/
UK/ʌnskˈɪld/
Definition
adj. describing work that does not need special training or a high level of education. It also describes workers who have not learned a specific trade.
adj. relating to work or workers that do not require or possess specialised training, technical skills, or formal qualifications. Often used in economic contexts to categorise labour markets.
Examples
“The factory is hiring unskilled workers for the assembly line.”
“Many immigrants find their first jobs in the unskilled sector, such as cleaning or basic construction.”
“Economists argue that as automation increases, the demand for unskilled labour will continue to decline, necessitating a shift toward vocational retraining programs.”
Examples
simple
“The factory is hiring unskilled workers for the assembly line.”
contextual
“Many immigrants find their first jobs in the unskilled sector, such as cleaning or basic construction.”
complex
“Economists argue that as automation increases, the demand for unskilled labour will continue to decline, necessitating a shift toward vocational retraining programs.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'labour', 'worker', or 'job'.
Real-World Examples
“Care work is too often unfairly maligned as unskilled work and kept on low wages by an economy that favours profit over worker wellbeing.” “Extremely unskilled in the kitchen … The Unlikely Cook With Awkwafina.” Etymology
From un- + skilled.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/unskilled