unskilful
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking skill or proficiency: "unskilful" describes someone who is not adept or competent in performing a task, often due to inexperience or lack of training.
- Clumsy or inept: It can also refer to actions or efforts that are poorly executed, showing a lack of dexterity or finesse.
Usage Examples
- (He lacked the necessary skill for carpentry.)
- (The action was clumsy and poorly done.)
- (Someone who is not competent at driving.)
Advanced Usage
"unskilful in": followed by a specific area or activity.
- He was unskilful in negotiating contracts, often agreeing to unfavourable terms. (He lacked proficiency in negotiation.)
"unskilful handling": referring to the poor management or execution of something.
- The unskilful handling of the crisis led to widespread panic. (The situation was managed without competence.)
Variants and Related Words
Unskilfully (adv): in a manner that shows a lack of skill.
- She unskilfully dropped the vase, shattering it. (She did it clumsily.)
Unskilfulness (n): the quality or state of being unskilful.
- His unskilfulness in public speaking made the presentation awkward. (His lack of skill in speaking.)
Synonyms
- Inexpert: lacking expert knowledge or skill.
- Amateurish: done without professional skill or polish.
- Incompetent: not having the necessary ability to do something successfully.
- Clumsy: awkward in movement or handling.
Antonyms
- Skilful: having or showing skill.
- Proficient: competent or skilled in doing something.
- Adept: very skilled or proficient at something.
Related Idioms
"All thumbs": clumsy or awkward with one's hands.
- He is all thumbs when it comes to fixing things, making him unskilful at repairs. (He is very clumsy.)
"A green hand": an inexperienced or unskilful person.
- The new recruit was a green hand and therefore unskilful in the field. (Inexperienced and lacking skill.)