inexperienced

American

[in-ik-speer-ee-uhnst] / ˌɪn ɪkˈspɪər i ənst /

adjective

not experienced; lacking knowledge, skill, or wisdom gained from experience.

Synonyms:

naive, green, raw, unpracticed, inexpert, unskilled

Etymology

Origin of inexperienced

First recorded in 1620–30; inexperience + -ed ²

Vocabulary lists containing inexperienced

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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.

Speaking after the sentencing, Lisa Rose, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service special crime division, said Lloyd was not qualified to take inexperienced paddleboarders out in such conditions.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being assigned an inexperienced, overconfident boss, you know what happens next.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Bosses are implementing morning and evening check-ins to help inexperienced employees course-correct and ask questions, said Barrocas, the CEO.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Raman, who had endorsed Bass’ reelection before throwing her hat in at the last minute, came off as inexperienced, touchy and unprepared.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The Moriori were a small, isolated population of hunter-gatherers, equipped with only the simplest technology and weapons, entirely inexperienced at war, and lacking strong leadership or organization.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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