inexpert

American  

[in-eks-purt, in-ik-spurt] / ɪnˈɛks pɜrt, ˌɪn ɪkˈspɜrt /

adjective

1. not expert; unskilled.

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inexpert British  

/ ɪnˈɛkspɜːt /

adjective

1. not expert; unskilled or unskilful; inept

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Other Word Forms

• inexpertness
  noun
• inexpertly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of inexpert

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word inexpertus. See in- ³, expert

Explanation

If you're inexpert at something, you haven't been taught to do it, and you can't do it very well. An inexpert painter might spatter paint all over your wood floors and furniture. Being inexpert at some activity means you don't have much practice doing it. It takes an inexpert knitter a lot longer to finish a hat than one with experience, and an inexpert driver is still learning the rules of the road. If you're an expert, you're a professional with skill and knowledge, from the Latin root word expertus, "tried, proved, or known by experience." When you add the "not" prefix in-, you get inexpert.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inexpert

Animal advocates are also concerned that these lions could be inbred as a result of poorly managed, inexpert breeding programs.

From National Geographic ● Aug. 8, 2023

That’s not surprising: Conspiracy theorists often aim to ply the inexpert masses with plausible-sounding but inaccurate legalisms in order to sow confusion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2021

To avoid issues arising from inexpert handling, she adds: "Of course, being a doctor, I would always advise the procedure to be conducted in clinics by medical practitioners."

From Salon ● Mar. 27, 2021

First, in my inexpert opinion, schools—if they open—are going to close again.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2020

Fern was a sweet, round-faced baby, content with even the most inexpert of baby-handlers.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson