unskillful

[uhn-skil-fuhl]

adjective

not skillful; clumsy or bungling.

Also especially British, un·skil·ful.

Origin of unskillful

1350–1400; 1555–65 for current sense; Middle English unskylful unreasonable. See un-¹, skillful

Related formsun·skill·ful·ly, adverbun·skill·ful·ness, noun

Synonyms for unskillful

untrained, maladroit, inept.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for unskilful

Historical Examples of unskilful

It had all the imperfections of unskilful improvisation and its subject was gruesome.
An Outcast of the Islands
Joseph Conrad
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Mysticism and its Results
John Delafield
M. Moriaz is the most unskilful person; but, after all, not much harm is done.
Samuel Brohl & Company
Victor Cherbuliez
Though it make the unskilful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve.
Familiar Quotations
John Bartlett
Every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Familiar Quotations
John Bartlett

British Dictionary definitions for unskilful

unskilful

US unskillful

adjective

lacking dexterity or proficiency
(often foll by in) obsolete ignorant (of)

Derived Formsunskilfully or US unskillfully, adverbunskilfulness or US unskillfulness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for unskilful

unskillful

adj.

late 14c., "foolish," from un- (1) "not" + skillful. Meaning "inexpert" is from 1560s. Related: Unskillfully.