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
Relevance
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
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
Adjective
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After decades when Ukraine was seen as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, cleaning up its government has been held up as the most important condition for Kyiv to join the European Union and integrate more broadly with the West.—
Olena Harmash,
USA Today,
23 July 2025 -
Lunn’s brand of reform disrupted the corrupt and complacent, empowered talent without regard to political allegiance, and relentlessly focused on the common good of his constituents.—
Time,
Time,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Again, once the Field School staff restrained the shark, the team of amateurs got to work quickly and efficiently, with the only mishap being a person who rubbed their fingers the wrong way against the shark skin and got an abrasion that drew a bit of blood.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
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Still, Jake Cronenworth raised an eyebrow when his phone rang during the seventh round of the 2015 amateur draft.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
On top of software setbacks, the OP said the vehicle's battery had to be replaced, but with a degraded unit that reduced range by 30 miles overnight.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
-
In the kitchen, opt for glass and stainless-steel containers, and throw away degraded plastic tools.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
7 July 2025
Noun
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How many kids can one person chaperone at the Indiana State Fair?—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
-
Whether kids are seeing real stars like Bill Murray or Mckenna Grace, or just someone from a fan club, the effect is the same.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Not every mosquito carries West Nile virus, and not everyone who contracts the virus will get sick.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
28 July 2025
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Cena took the opportunity to chug water to avoid getting sick.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
The Cobbler shaker features three pieces and is the most common for home use and beginner bartenders.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 July 2025
-
Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
23 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Jackleg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackleg. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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