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Synonyms

inexperience

American  
[in-ik-speer-ee-uhns] / ˌɪn ɪkˈspɪər i əns /

noun

  1. lack of experience.

  2. lack of knowledge, skill, or wisdom gained from experience.

inexperience British  
/ ˌɪnɪkˈspɪərɪəns /

noun

  1. lack of experience or of the knowledge and understanding derived from experience

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of inexperience

From the Late Latin word inexperientia, dating back to 1590–1600. See in- 3, experience

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Inexperience puts drivers, their passengers, and other road users at greater risk," she said.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Inexperience has been a factor for the Tigers after last season was scrapped because of virus concerns, and the start of this year has been rocky.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2021

Inexperience with injuries piled on top have led to poor protection for Irish QB Jack Coan, a Wisconsin transfer.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2021

Inexperience is no longer a factor, the Bruins returning 20 starters, including the entire offensive line.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2021

Inexperience, or a desire to introduce new customs, sometimes causes this to be done.

From Fraternal Charity by Valuy, Benôit

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.