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jackleg 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjak-ˌleg How to pronounce jackleg (audio)
Definition of jacklegnext
1
as in amateur
being such only for recreation a toolshed that can be built by any jackleg carpenter who's capable of hitting a nail without smashing his thumb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in inexperienced
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill he did such a jackleg installation of that door frame that now the door won't shut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in corrupt
having or showing lowered moral character or standards a jackleg lawyer whose clients consist mainly of drug dealers and child molesters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jackleg

2 of 2

noun

as in kid
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science you can't rely on a bunch of jacklegs to run your dairy farm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackleg
  1. amateur
  2. inexperienced
  3. corrupt
  4. kid
  5. degraded
  6. beginner
  7. sick
Adjective
  • John grew up in nearby Saltburn, played in the amateur leagues and left to find work in 1990.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • According to Merrick, the former dressage official, a peculiarly high percentage of relatively advanced amateur riders believe, firmly and falsely, that Olympic competition is a real possibility.
    — Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of amateur
Adjective
  • Key officers fell mortally wounded, and the inexperienced Americans might easily have broken again.
    — Harry Ostrer, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • As is often the case with inexperienced players, their performance has been a mixed bag.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • Even as the country’s leadership grew more corrupt and repressive, Moscow kept getting more dazzling.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond the shimmying visit, the mystery of who killed Victor is expected to motor the sophomore season’s overarching storyline, including digging into people from the corrupt politician’s shady past.
    — Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of corrupt
Noun
  • Attacking Vicki for working is the Vicki equivalent of going after another Housewife’s kids.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Hamilton and Kim also smile for a selfie alongside a friend and Khloé, who joined the two along with her kids, daughter True, 8, and Tatum, 4, on the trip.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of kid
Adjective
  • The hospital treats about 175 major pediatric spine cases per year, sparing patients from pain, and in some advanced cases, degraded lung function.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Energy analysts have consistently cautioned that raising Venezuelan output meaningfully will take years and billions of dollars in repairs to degraded infrastructure.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of degraded
Noun
  • At a beginner’s mahjong night at a local bar, tables largely full of young professionals engaged in friendly competition over Hong Kong-style sets as Chang emceed over a microphone.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Then be sure to read our roundups of the best telescope deals, along with our beginner's guide to observing the night sky with a manual telescope.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Adjective
  • During the ride, Normandin-Parker's friend became sick and vomited in the car.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Humans should not touch or approach a dead or sick deer, and household animals should be kept away from carcasses, the center advises.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of sick
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.

Browse Nearby Words

jackknives
jackleg
jacklegs
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Cite this Entry

“Jackleg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackleg. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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