unskillful

adjective

ˌən-ˈskil-fəl How to pronounce unskillful (audio)
Definition of unskillfulnext
1
as in incompetent
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job an unskillful editor can be worse than none at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inexperienced
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill some painfully unskillful playing by the band's guitarist

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 unskillful It was intended to be a mockery of the way White people danced, though plantation owners often interpreted slaves' movements as unskillful attempts to be like them. — Scottie Andrew and Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 6 July 2020 One of the most fraught issues around suicide clusters is unskillful media coverage, which studies suggest can spur copycats. — Kate Siber, Outside Online, 4 Sep. 2018 As is often the case, Louie was unlucky — and also unskillful. — Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unskillful
  1. incompetent
  2. inexperienced
  3. unfit
  4. amateur
  5. unfitted
  6. unskilled
  7. incapable
Adjective
  • In a 2013 Denver case on similar charges, he was found incompetent to stand trial, and the case was dismissed.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • So the archetype of an uncharismatic leader is not necessarily someone unlikeable, introverted, socially incompetent or ineffective.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of incompetent
Adjective
  • The Holbrook sisters are undersocialized and inexperienced with the world, and Herzog sees them as figures out of a fable, dreamers who talk incessantly about love and seem connected to the elemental and the ancient.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • When someone with 20 years of expertise is willing to look inexperienced for 20 minutes, everyone else gets permission to learn.
    — Pankaj Prasoon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • But in Meriwether’s hands, the show became a propulsive exploration of both women’s trauma and the misogynistic criminal justice system that’s unfit to deal with it.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The complaint also alleges Wendy's failed to warn customers of the alleged danger and served food that was unfit for human consumption.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfit
Adjective
  • What makes this solution a favorite for amateur home cooks and pro chefs alike?
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Clooney’s nearby Italian residence was already as famous as him, and a stakeout spot for amateur and professional paparazzi.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of amateur
Adjective
  • Here, Rodel shares how to make the unfitted kitchen trend your own, one statement-worthy piece at a time.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
  • Mix Materials The beauty in the unfitted kitchen aesthetic is found in its collected look.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Definition of unfitted
Adjective
  • Persona did not see economic viability in the unskilled labor approach, Radford says.
    — Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The jobs were broken down into around 200 management roles, 67 office or clerical roles, 67 professional, 534 skilled and 133 unskilled.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of unskilled
Adjective
  • Early critics argued that these tools were a mere gimmick, incapable of true artistic utility or nuance.
    — Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • What’s left is a vaguely political YouTube series afraid of its own tail, incapable of being actually relatable and too cowardly to own the batshit truths of these people’s lives.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of incapable

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Cite this Entry

“Unskillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unskillful. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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