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tenderfoot

noun ten·der·foot \ ˈten-dər-ˌfu̇t \

Definition of tenderfoot

plural tenderfeet play \ˈten-dər-ˌfēt\ also tenderfoots play \ˈten-dər-ˌfu̇ts\
1 : an inexperienced beginner : novice
  • a political tenderfoot
2 : a newcomer in a comparatively rough or newly settled region; especially : one not hardened to frontier or outdoor life

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Examples of tenderfoot in a Sentence

  1. skateboarders who are tenderfeet will inevitably fall as they learn their first moves

First Known Use of tenderfoot

1849

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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tenderfoot Synonyms

Synonyms

apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rookie, tyro;

Antonyms

old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran;

Near Antonyms

expert, master, pro, professional;

Related Words

boot;

amateur, dabbler, dilettante;

learner, student, trainee;

candidate, entrant, probationer;

TENDERFOOT Defined for English Language Learners

tenderfoot

noun

Definition of tenderfoot for English Language Learners

  • : someone who has just started doing something

  • : a person who is not used to living in rough conditions or outdoors

Learn More about tenderfoot

  1. See words that rhyme with tenderfoot Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tenderfoot

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