Synonyms of unskillful

unskillful

adjective

ˌən-ˈskil-fəl 

1

as in incompetent

lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

an unskillful editor can be worse than none at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incompetent
• unfit
• unfitted
• incapable
• unskilled
• inexperienced
• unable
• unqualified
• unprepared
• inept
• inexpert
• ineligible
• inefficient
• useless
• inapt
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• unprofessional
• amateurish
• worthless
• untrained
• green
• dilettantish
• raw
• callow
• disqualified
• unequipped
• wanting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skillful
• skilled
• capable
• competent
• able
• expert
• qualified
• ready
• prepared
• fit
• trained
• adept
• ultracompetent
• experienced
• seasoned
• virtuoso
• veteran
• accomplished
• ace
• practiced
• consummate
• crack
• versatile
• overqualified
• protean
• all-around

2

as in inexperienced

lacking or showing a lack of expert skill

some painfully unskillful playing by the band's guitarist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inexperienced
• amateur
• unskilled
• unprofessional
• amateurish
• inexpert
• incompetent
• nonprofessional
• awkward
• dilettantish
• dilettante
• unfinished
• clumsy
• unprepared
• new
• untaught
• untutored
• untrained
• jackleg
• unschooled
• primitive
• defective
• unqualified
• flawed
• faulty
• unpolished
• crude
• fresh
• uninitiated
• unfit
• would-be
• incapable
• untalented
• ham-fisted
• ham-handed
• self-taught
• untried
• curbstone
• beginning
• heavy-handed
• unseasoned
• untested
• green
• unable
• entry-level
• talentless
• raw
• ungifted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• professional
• skillful
• adept
• skilled
• expert
• capable
• competent
• able
• masterly
• virtuosic
• proficient
• masterful
• talented
• virtuoso
• ace
• master
• consummate
• dexterous
• gifted
• handsome
• accomplished
• experienced
• seasoned
• taught
• veteran
• practiced
• knowledgeable
• prepared
• crackerjack
• initiated
• qualified
• educated
• trained
• habile
• fitted
• versatile
• versed
• ambidextrous
• schooled
• polished
• finished
• slick
• tutored
• well-rounded
• all-around

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unskillful

It was intended to be a mockery of the way White people danced, though plantation owners often interpreted slaves' movements as unskillful attempts to be like them. — Scottie Andrew and Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 6 July 2020

One of the most fraught issues around suicide clusters is unskillful media coverage, which studies suggest can spur copycats. — Kate Siber, Outside Online, 4 Sep. 2018

As is often the case, Louie was unlucky — and also unskillful. — Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2017