Synonyms of amateur

amateur 1 of 3

adjective

1

as in inexperienced

being such only for recreation

an amateur cabinetmaker, he derives immense satisfaction from finely crafting his own furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inexperienced
• avocational
• nonprofessional
• Sunday
• naïve
• backyard
• amateurish
• unskilled
• unprofessional
• primitive
• unprepared
• naive
• self-taught
• untutored
• dilettante
• unschooled
• untrained
• weekend
• uninitiated
• jackleg
• part-time
• inexpert
• untaught
• unqualified

2

as in amateurish

lacking or showing a lack of expert skill

in every room there were amateur watercolors, apparently the work of the innkeeper's wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inexperienced
• amateurish
• nonprofessional
• unskilled
• unprofessional
• inexpert
• dilettante
• dilettantish
• incompetent
• unskillful
• awkward
• unfinished
• new
• unprepared
• untrained
• untutored
• unschooled
• clumsy
• jackleg
• would-be
• uninitiated
• unqualified
• self-taught
• untaught
• primitive
• fresh
• unpolished
• beginning
• flawed
• entry-level
• defective
• ham-fisted
• untalented
• unfit
• unseasoned
• crude
• untried
• untested
• faulty
• green
• incapable
• ham-handed
• curbstone
• ungifted
• heavy-handed
• unable
• raw
• talentless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• professional
• expert
• skilled
• adept
• ace
• competent
• capable
• virtuoso
• talented
• able
• skillful
• consummate
• master
• virtuosic
• proficient
• masterly
• gifted
• masterful
• veteran
• seasoned
• experienced
• handsome
• accomplished
• dextrous
• dexterous
• practised
• qualified
• crackerjack
• taught
• knowledgeable
• prepared
• educated
• trained
• practiced
• initiated
• all-round
• fitted
• versatile
• schooled
• versed
• habile
• polished
• ambidextrous
• finished
• slick
• tutored
• well-rounded
• all-around

amateur

2 of 3

noun (1)

ˈa-mə-chər 

1

as in tinkerer

a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession

an amateur photographer who has won a number of photo contests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tinkerer
• potterer
• hobbyist
• enthusiast
• layman
• nonprofessional
• dabbler
• fan
• nonexpert
• dilettante
• putterer
• generalist
• devotee
• jack-of-all-trades
• aficionado
• afficionado
• buff
• all-rounder
• general practitioner

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expert
• authority
• specialist
• professional
• pro

2

as in beginner

a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science

a homemade doghouse that looked like it was built by an amateur who hadn't mastered basic carpentry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beginner
• novice
• kid
• inexpert
• rookie
• newcomer
• freshman
• hacker
• hack
• trifler
• jackleg
• learner
• tyro
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• tenderfoot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expert
• master
• craftsman
• ace
• hand
• shark
• adept
• past master
• virtuoso
• sharp
• maestro
• veteran
• wizard
• crackerjack
• whiz
• crackajack
• vet
• old hand
• old-timer

amateurism

3 of 3

noun (2)

as in amateurishness

a lack of the level of skill associated with an expert or professional

the new defense secretary proceeded to criticize the amateurism of the nation's war effort up to that point

Synonyms & Similar Words

• amateurishness
• dilettantism
• inability
• incompetence
• inexpertness
• incompetency
• inexperience
• unpreparedness
• clumsiness
• inaptitude
• crudeness
• unskillfulness
• ham-handedness
• heavy-handedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• professionalism
• expertness
• competence
• polish
• masterfulness
• talent
• ability
• finish
• virtuosity
• skill
• masterliness
• proficiency
• skillfulness
• adeptness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of amateur

Noun

Carlsen also happens to be a co-founder of Freestyle Chess, which is looking to engage both chess aficionados, as well as amateurs new to the game. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025

For the first time since 2022, no amateur made the cut at the Masters. —Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025

Australian amateur Michael Mattiazzo discovered the comet in late March using SWAN imagery, which maps hydrogen in the solar wind according to Spaceweather.com. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Babolat is a trusted brand that utilizes the latest in technology to make rackets suited for pros and amateurs alike. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025