amateur

A person who does an activity for enjoyment rather than as a paid job.

• I'm just an amateur.
• The exhibition features paintings by local amateurs.
• She remained an amateur because she enjoyed photography as a hobby.

Similar words: hobbyist, enthusiast

Opposites: professional

Common phrases: talented amateur, enthusiastic amateur, an amateur at something, gifted amateur

A person who takes part in a sport without being paid to play.

• She still competes as an amateur.
• The tournament welcomes both professionals and amateurs.
• He won several races as an amateur before turning professional.

Similar words: unpaid athlete

Opposites: professional

Common phrases: as an amateur, a sporting amateur

A person who does something badly because they lack the necessary skill or experience.

• Who hired this amateur?
• Only an amateur would make that mistake.
• The repairs were clearly done by amateurs.

Similar words: bungler, incompetent

Opposites: expert

Common phrases: complete amateur, rank amateur, bunch of amateurs

Done by people for enjoyment rather than as a paid job.

• He plays amateur football.
• Our town has an amateur theatre group.
• The competition is open to amateur photographers.

Similar words: nonprofessional

Opposites: professional

Common phrases: amateur sports, amateur theatre, amateur photographer

Done without enough skill or care to be good.

• The painting looked rather amateur.
• Their amateur workmanship left gaps around the window.
• It was an amateur performance full of avoidable mistakes.

Similar words: amateurish, unprofessional, unskilled

Opposites: professional, skilled

Common phrases: amateur workmanship, amateur effort, amateur performance, amateur approach