amateurism

American  

[am-uh-choo-riz-uhm, -tyoo-, -chuh-, -tuh-, am-uh-tur-iz-uhm] / ˈæm ə tʃʊˌrɪz əm, -tyʊ-, -tʃə-, -tə-, ˌæm əˈtɜr ɪz əm /

noun

1. the practice, quality, or character of an amateur or amateurish performance.

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Other Word Forms

• pseudoamateurism noun

Etymology

Origin of amateurism

First recorded in 1865–70; amateur + -ism

Example Sentences

Pitino has made a smooth transition to college basketball’s wild new order, in which the pretense of amateurism has been abandoned and the transfer portal reshapes the roster every 12 months.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The Senate, which generally sneers at the amateurism of House legislation, would have its turn; if the Senate were successful, the two chambers would then have to bridge what could be substantial differences.

From Slate • May 20, 2025

“It’s a result of seven years of amateurism and a spectacular drift in our public finances,” she has said.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024

The details in the plan signal the end of the NCAA’s bedrock amateurism model that dates to its founding in 1906.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024

Its joyous amateurism freed it from every trace of the mental servitude which is the curse of militarism, and stimulated initiative and individuality.

From With Manchesters in the East by Hurst, Gerald B. (Gerald Berkeley), Sir