1
as in inexperienced
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incompetent
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job
hired unskilled workers because they would work for lower wages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of unskilled
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
Many of those jobs, though categorized as unskilled labor, require specialized training and physical stamina that is not readily available in the existing U.S. workforce.
—Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unskilled
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
Many of those jobs, though categorized as unskilled labor, require specialized training and physical stamina that is not readily available in the existing U.S. workforce.
—Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unskilled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unskilled
Adjective
-
The oligarchy is almost as incompetent and out of touch as is Trump.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Lawyers for Mike Jeffries, 80, are hoping to place him in the custody of the Attorney General for further evaluation 1 Comments Lawyers for ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries filed a motion on Thursday saying that their client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Just like an organization being certain that other players are unfit for the harsh glare of intense games in April.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The injunction request stated the premises were unfit for occupancy and owners did not have a valid city business license.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rats, for example, are incapable of vomiting, which is why rat poison works so well.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
-
This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unskilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unskilled. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share