unskilled

adjective

un·​skilled ˌən-ˈskild How to pronounce unskilled (audio)
1
: not skilled in a branch of work : lacking technical training
an unskilled worker
2
: not requiring skill
unskilled jobs
3
: marked by lack of skill
produced unskilled poems

Examples of unskilled in a Sentence

an unskilled handling of the facial features in the portrait explains why it is attributed to “school of Velázquez” and not to the master himself hired unskilled workers because they would work for lower wages
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consecutive droughts in recent years have devastated livestock populations, forcing hundreds of thousands of herders to give up their traditional lifestyles and move, as unskilled workers, to sprawling towns. Mohamed Adow, Foreign Affairs, 13 Apr. 2020 Gamers have also scrutinized Musk for his odd gameplay and game setting choices that can be indicative of an unskilled player. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 In addition to helping address labor shortages for both high-skill and unskilled jobs, federal authorization of state-run visa programs would also help states and regions address unique labor needs. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 As funds grow larger, the combination of junior associates seeking a track record and unskilled entrepreneurs seeking more VC at earlier stages could lead to significant failures. Dileep Rao, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unskilled 

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unskilled was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near unskilled

Cite this Entry

“Unskilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unskilled. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

unskilled

adjective
un·​skilled ˌən-ˈskild How to pronounce unskilled (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not skilled
especially : not skilled in a branch of work : lacking mechanical training
an unskilled worker
2
: not requiring skill
unskilled jobs
3
: marked by lack of skill
an unskilled painting

More from Merriam-Webster on unskilled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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