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

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Etymology

Origin of amateurism

First recorded in 1865–70; amateur + -ism

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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

Exclamation points must be used sparingly: a row of three or four of them at the end of a sentence is a sign of amateurism.

From Short Story Writing A Practical Treatise on the Art of The Short Story by Charles Raymond Barrett

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