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

• inexpertly adverb
• inexpertness noun

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

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

So until I can get back there to visit, I'll raise a glass with my friends on this side of the continent, and replicate a Zuni meal in my own rushed and inexpert way.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2021

Dyrholm is wonderfully grounded, giving Lene a tolerance and warmth unruffled by Paul’s inexpert pursuit of intimacy.

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2020

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

For a moment, Harry thought that his inexpert Apparition had thrown Dumbledore off balance; then he saw his face, paler and damper than ever in the distant light of a streetlamp.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling