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
  • After spells at Le Havre, ASPTT Marseille and Nationals of Cavigal, RB Leipzig pounced last summer to sign him from the amateur ranks of French football.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Only a short time ago, online content creators were largely regarded as amateur commentators or entertainers.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of amateur
Adjective
  • The Dolphins entered camp with a young and relatively inexperienced group of edge rushers, placing the Michigan product in the unusual position of being asked to help lead others while still fighting to reestablish himself.
    — Tyler M. Carmona July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Others point out working with an inexperienced pitching coach, working behind a bad defense and working without a contract for next season as pieces to the puzzle.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • Some explicitly backed his Democratic opponent, the legendarily corrupt Edwin Edwards.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • According to some research, Hungary has been the most corrupt country in the EU for years now.
    — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of corrupt
Noun
  • Residents didn’t feel safe walking their dogs down the street, let alone taking their kids to the neighborhood park.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Aliso Beach has a steep drop-off near the shoreline, where several kids took the warnings seriously.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of kid
Adjective
  • Meet the chicken kidney sponge, a true ecosystem engineer that could use its filter-feeding power to clean the degraded habitats in and around busy harbors.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • Once the spin is stopped, the company plans to update the craft's guidance, navigation and control systems to compensate for the degraded configuration.
    — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of degraded
Noun
  • The activity's simplicity means beginners can start light and progress gradually, even using household items for weight.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The property is just a five-minute walk from the Côte des Basques beach (one of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches in the city), and close to the restaurants and bars of the Beaurivage neighborhood (known locally as ‘Bibi’).
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Adjective
  • Our founder has spent his career advocating for a shift from sick care to true health creation.
    — Billee Howard, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Officials recommended wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, staying current on vaccinations, testing for the virus and remaining home when sick.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 25 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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