Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows
or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps
Noun: amateur  'a-mu-tu(r) or 'a-mu,tûr or 'a-mu,chûr
  1. Someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
    "As an amateur, he enjoyed painting on weekends without the pressure of making a living from it";
    - nonprofessional
     
  2. An athlete who does not play for pay
    "Despite being an amateur, she competed at a level rivaling many professionals"
     
  3. Someone who is unqualified or not skilful enough
    "His amateur attempts at plumbing resulted in a flooded bathroom"
Adjective: amateur  'a-mu-tu(r) or 'a-mu,tûr or 'a-mu,chûr
  1. Engaged in as a pastime
    "an amateur painter"; "gained valuable experience in amateur theatricals";
    - recreational, unpaid
     
  2. Lacking professional skill or expertise
    "a very amateur job";
    - amateurish, inexpert, unskilled, rookie [informal]

Derived forms: amateurs

See also: nonprofessional, unprofessional

Type of: actor, athlete, doer, jock [N. Amer, informal], worker

Antonym: pro

Encyclopedia: Amateur