dilettantism

Definition of dilettantismnext
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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilettantism
Noun
  • There was also a path through college hockey, which was typically forged by a stop in the United States Hockey League (USHL), which met NCAA amateurism rules.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Last summer’s House settlement, which permits schools to directly pay their athletes roughly $20 million this year across all sports, drove a final stake through the college amateurism model.
    Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Their design was unpolished, even primitive, seemingly to convey a sense of slapdash amateurishness.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • Issues discussed by the candidates ranged from an inability to hire and retain deputies, department morale and poor conditions at the Men’s Central Jail.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • This is not an office known for its incompetence.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • Not using it signals incompetence; using it signals very little.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Dilettantism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilettantism. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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