DILETTANTISM Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

dilettantism

noun

Definition of dilettantism

as in amateurism

a lack of the level of skill associated with an expert or professional no charge of dilettantism could ever be leveled at English physicist Henry Cavendish, whose immense wealth allowed him to devote his life to scientific pursuits

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilettantism

Noun

For roughly the past decade, a flood of litigation has chipped away at many long-standing rules governing college sports — from the tradition of amateurism to rules around transfers and who is eligible to compete at all.

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026
Justice Clarence Thomas questioned the NCAA’s attorney, Seth Waxman, about why the NCAA believed amateurism rules were appropriate for athletes but not coaches.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of amateurism

Noun

Inconsistent quarterback play, along with the inability to protect and generate push up front allowed the Bulldogs and Sooners to bottled up Baugh and the running game.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
While filming, Knightley was just 17 and on set for only a week, which contributed to her inability to recall the script.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

His incompetence and determination to suck up to Trump helped launch the war against Iran in the first place.

— Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 11 Nov. 2026
Three decades of one-party rule left a record of incompetence and corruption that the African National Congress – the party of Nelson Mandela – reluctantly admits.

— Kurt Shillinger, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of incompetence

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Browse Nearby Words

dilettantish

dilettantism

diligence

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“Dilettantism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilettantism. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of dilettantism

noun

Example Sentences

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