English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word amateur in English

What does amateur mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

amateur

US /ˈæm.ə.tʃɚ/
UK /ˈæm.ə.tər/
"amateur" picture

Noun

1.

a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid rather than a professional basis

Example:
•
He's an amateur photographer, but his photos are stunning.
•
The competition is open to both professionals and amateurs.
Synonym:
nonprofessional dabbler hobbyist
Antonym:
professional
2.

a person who is incompetent or inept at a particular activity

Example:
•
His performance was so bad, he looked like a complete amateur.
•
Only an amateur would make such a basic mistake.
Synonym:
novice tyro beginner learner inexpert
Antonym:
expert master

Adjective

1.

engaging in an activity on an unpaid rather than a professional basis

Example:
•
He plays amateur football on weekends.
•
The theater group puts on amateur productions.
Synonym:
nonprofessional unpaid
Antonym:
professional
2.

lacking skill or expertise; incompetent

Example:
•
The repair work was very amateur and fell apart quickly.
•
Her writing style is a bit amateur, but she has potential.
Synonym:
inexpert unskilled clumsy bungling
Antonym:
skilled expert
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Related Word:
amateur dramatics