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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackleg
Adjective
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And then reality crashes down around them in a series of scenes that expose the cruel hypocrisy of Iran’s corrupt system (which purports to uphold morality, but allows men in positions of authority to indulge themselves in egregious ways).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
11 July 2025 -
Rachel and Ray need to go on the run after Ray’s investigation into a corrupt pharmaceutical executive puts their live in peril.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Gaskins said the policy change benefits the city’s prospects for hosting major league professional and elite amateur teams in the future, and, at the same time, provides young residents and visitors with opportunities to participate in evening sports.—
Lee Igel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The annual amateur draft begins Sunday night with the first three rounds and continues on Monday with rounds 4-20.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
In the kitchen, opt for glass and stainless-steel containers, and throw away degraded plastic tools.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
7 July 2025
-
Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Noun
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The watch incentivizes kids to charge and wear their smartwatch with a gaming platform called Fitbit Arcade, and includes data in the very reasonable $10/month subscription plan.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
12 July 2025
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The podcast tells a great story that will engage all ages—but especially kids interested in outer space (and what kid isn’t?).—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Kids get hurt and get sick, like anyone else; every year, a few in the practice battle life-threatening illness, often cancer.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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Mission Viejo raced to the title while playing without wide receiver Vance Spafford (sick), cornerback Jeron Jones (fractured wrist), safeties Sawyer Thomson (knee) and Zachary Foeldi (knee) and wide receiver Max Markofski (hip).—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
Noun
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This class is ideal for absolute beginners with no prior poker experience.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
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The good news for both beginner and advanced riders is that there are multiple choices across the 40-odd models on the market these days.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Jackleg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackleg. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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