Meaning & use
inexpert
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Lacking skill or knowledge in a particular activity; done without skill.
Grammar: Used mainly before a noun (an inexpert driver) or after linking verbs (the work was inexpert).
Patterns
- inexpert at something
- inexpert in doing something
- an inexpert attempt
His inexpert handling of the knife made everyone nervous.
She felt inexpert at small talk and stayed quiet at parties.
The report was criticized as an inexpert analysis of the data.
nouncountablerareformal
A person who lacks skill or training in a particular field.
Grammar: Rare and rather formal; it takes a plural (inexperts) and is usually contrasted with experts.
Patterns
- an inexpert at something
- a group of inexperts
The panel included two experts and one inexpert, which led to lively debate.
As an inexpert in medicine, he relied on his doctor's advice.
Word forms
| comparative | more inexpert |
|---|---|
| superlative | most inexpert |
Common combinations
- an inexpert attempt
- Her first inexpert attempt at baking produced a very dry cake.
- inexpert at something
- He is inexpert at fixing bikes but enjoys trying.
- inexpert handling
- The inexpert handling of the complaint annoyed the customers.
- inexpert in a subject
- I am completely inexpert in chemistry.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unskilled
- Unskilled describes a lack of training for a job, while inexpert stresses a lack of ability in a specific task.
- amateurish
- Amateurish is more disapproving and suggests a result that looks unprofessional; inexpert is a plainer, more neutral judgment.
- clumsy
- Clumsy often means physically awkward or badly made, whereas inexpert can also refer to knowledge and judgment.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: inexpert or inexperienced?
inexpert vs inexperienced
Inexperienced means having little experience, which may explain poor skill; inexpert simply means not skillful, whatever the reason.
Practice
The team's ______ defense let in three easy goals.
Choose one answer.
An adjective is needed before the noun 'defense', so 'inexpert' fits. 'Inexpertly' is an adverb and would need a verb, and 'inexperts' is a plural noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inexpert”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.