amateurism

American  

[am-uh-choo-riz-uhm, -tyoo-, -chuh-, -tuh-, am-uh-tur-iz-uhm] / ˈæm ə tʃʊˌrɪz əm, -tjʊ-, -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

See Examples For:

amateurism

Supreme Court ruled that the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s amateurism rules violated federal law, ending the NCAA’s longstanding immunity from corporate regulation.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

To critics who dismiss the project as "garage engineering" or amateurism, Terekh says she is "very proud" of their roots.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

In the sections of “Why We Make,” displays of historic artisanry are too often marred by oddball amateurism.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 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

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 Sir Gerald B. (Gerald Berkeley) Hurst