1
as in inexperienced
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill
an inexpert attempt at putting on an outdoor concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incompetent
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job
the inexpert mechanic only made the problem worse—and charged me a fortune for doing it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
well-meaning but inexpert expressions of sympathy from friends after the funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in amateur
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science
the shoddy tiling in the bathroom was a sure sign that it was the work of an inexpert
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inexpert
Dallas News, 6 May 2022
The procedure is not without risk: The mortality rate from tellurium injections is 12 percent, and can rise as high as 68 percent for children when the work is performed by an inexpert hand.
—Aaron Timms, The New Republic, 2 Sep. 2022
That’s not surprising: Conspiracy theorists often aim to ply the inexpert masses with plausible-sounding but inaccurate legalisms in order to sow confusion.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2021
The evening was a simple, completely inexpert exercise in apolitical comity.
—Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 6 June 2021
Brainy, mannered, dryly amused, ‘The Inheritance’ can appear willfully inexpert; the self-conscious acting feels both deliberate and the work of a director who hasn’t spent much time working with actors.
—Mark Olsen Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2021
Adjective
Despite the exhibition’s dynamism and appreciated efforts to frame each work for the viewer, the accompanying wall text and political readings felt thin and inexpert at times.
—Dallas News, 6 May 2022
The procedure is not without risk: The mortality rate from tellurium injections is 12 percent, and can rise as high as 68 percent for children when the work is performed by an inexpert hand.
—Aaron Timms, The New Republic, 2 Sep. 2022
That’s not surprising: Conspiracy theorists often aim to ply the inexpert masses with plausible-sounding but inaccurate legalisms in order to sow confusion.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2021
The evening was a simple, completely inexpert exercise in apolitical comity.
—Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 6 June 2021
Brainy, mannered, dryly amused, ‘The Inheritance’ can appear willfully inexpert; the self-conscious acting feels both deliberate and the work of a director who hasn’t spent much time working with actors.
—Mark Olsen Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inexpert
Adjective
-
Trump is somewhat incompetent at being an autocrat right now.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
6 June 2025
-
Two common themes emerged: many aren’t sure of who the DA is or what the office does and, those who do know, view the DA as ineffective, unprofessional and, in many cases, incompetent.—
Craig MacLellan,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
The clumsy use of voice-overs is more embarrassing still.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
-
In the latest, a clumsy but charming young woman in Paris, struggling to become a writer and longing for Jane Austen-style romance, finally has her moment at a Jane Austen Writers’ Residency in England.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
Over a span of 48 hours, 200 professional, amateur and student artists will use chalk to paint thousands of square feet of raw pavement into re-creations of masterpieces, modern art and their own original pieces during the Denver Chalk Art Festival in Denver’s Golden Triangle District.—
Laura Daily,
Denver Post,
4 June 2025
-
In return for good behavior, both the pros and amateurs will be thrilled to show you everything from a nebula in Orion’s belt, to Jupiter and its moons.—
A.K. Whitney,
Oc Register,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, out since October and November with serious knee injuries, might be unfit too.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
-
The latest policy makes no such exception, deeming any service member with a current diagnosis, history or symptoms of gender dysphoria unfit for military service.—
Brooke Migdon,
The Hill,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
From awkward silences to unresolved tensions, most of us would rather scroll, text, or disappear than risk a moment of raw, honest connection.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
The feelings of being sweaty, red-faced and kind of awkward is very familiar to me.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Wilton also offers a variety of beginner to advanced courses, along with plenty of easy decorating hacks on their social media.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2025
-
Then a 23-year-old beginner white belt, Greener was sparring with Iturralde, 33, when his cervical vertebrae was crushed, according to NBC and CBS.—
Natasha Dye,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Here, Rodel shares how to make the unfitted kitchen trend your own, one statement-worthy piece at a time.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 May 2025
-
Mix Materials The beauty in the unfitted kitchen aesthetic is found in its collected look.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 May 2025
Noun
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Gear that is more accessible to novices, social media posts from beautiful locales and a false sense of security carrying a cellphone creates may all be playing a role here.—
Amanda Loudin,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Beginners and families can warm up on the .25-mile Gold Bug Loop, while novice riders looking to improve their freeride skills can cruise down Tommyknocker (5.8 miles).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inexpert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inexpert. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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