semiskilled

American  

[sem-ee-skild, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˈskɪld, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

1. having or requiring more training and skill than unskilled labor but less than skilled labor.

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semiskilled British  

/ ˌsɛmɪˈskɪld /

adjective

1. partly skilled or trained but not sufficiently so to perform specialized work

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Etymology

Origin of semiskilled

First recorded in 1915–20; semi- + skilled

Example Sentences

In Lynn, Mass., shopkeepers consolidated skilled labor while distributing semiskilled work to households.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

KBR, which employs more than 1,200 mostly Filipino workers at Diego Garcia as clerks, warehouse workers and in other semiskilled jobs, kept pay rates unchanged.

From Washington Post • Sep. 14, 2022

As baby boomers age, O'Keefe says, they'll drive the need for semiskilled health care workers, such as home health aides, to assist with daily tasks and basic medical services.

From US News • Jan. 26, 2016

An agency reported that the work force nationwide is composed of 10% professional, 10% clerical, 30% skilled, 15% service, and 35% semiskilled laborers.

From Textbooks • Sep. 19, 2013

It was the home of factory workers, clerks, semiskilled technicians, all who do the drudge work of civilization and know they will never do more.

From The Green Beret by Schoenherr, John