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.tʃɚ/
"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:
nonprofessionaldabblerhobbyist
Synonym:
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:
novicetyrobeginnerlearnerinexpert
Synonym:
expertmaster

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:
nonprofessionalunpaid
Synonym:
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:
inexpertunskilledclumsybungling
Synonym:
skilledexpert
Learn This Word at Lingoland