inexpert
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 exposed a fact that the post-civil war triumphalism and lavish spending had papered over: He and his family were inexpert stewards of the government, especially on economic issues.
From New York Times ● May 29, 2022
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
Endlessly quotable — “You are tearing me apart, Lisa!” — and spectacularly inexpert, “The Room” defied the rules and redefined the midnight movie for the new millennium.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 20, 2019
Somehow, pushing and shoving, he got him on to his side, and began to rub and push his back, in wide, inexpert circles.
From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill
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.
