The Opposite(Antonym) of “professional”
The antonym of professional is amateur, unprofessional, and inexpert. These antonyms describe a lack of skill, experience, or expertise in a particular field or activity.
Explore all Antonyms of “professional”
Definitions and Examples of amateur, unprofessional, inexpert
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than financial gain; lacking professional skill or expertise.
Example
He's an amateur photographer who takes pictures as a hobby.
Not conforming to the standards of a profession; lacking the qualities or behavior expected of a professional.
Example
His rude behavior towards clients was deemed unprofessional by his boss.
Lacking skill or knowledge in a particular field; not expert.
Example
Her inexpert handling of the situation only made things worse.
Key Differences: amateur vs unprofessional vs inexpert
- 1Amateur refers to someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than financial gain, and lacks professional skill or expertise.
- 2Unprofessional describes behavior that does not conform to the standards of a profession, and lacks the qualities or behavior expected of a professional.
- 3Inexpert refers to a lack of skill or knowledge in a particular field, and not being an expert.
Effective Usage of amateur, unprofessional, inexpert
- 1Job Interviews: Use these antonyms to describe your skills and experience in a particular field.
- 2Sports: Use amateur to describe someone who plays a sport for fun rather than professionally.
- 3Professionalism: Use unprofessional to describe behavior that does not meet the standards of a profession.
Remember this!
The antonyms of professional describe a lack of skill, experience, or expertise. Amateur refers to someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than financial gain, unprofessional describes behavior that does not conform to the standards of a profession, and inexpert refers to a lack of skill or knowledge in a particular field. Use these words to describe skills and experience in job interviews, sports, or to discuss professionalism.