unskillful

[ uhn-skil-fuhl ]

adjective

1. not skillful; clumsy or bungling.

   Synonyms: inept, maladroit

Other Words From

• un·skillful·ly adverb
• un·skillful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unskillful¹

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

Example Sentences

In short, the conservatives were unfortunate, because they were unskillful and imprudent.

From Project Gutenberg

If the teacher is unskillful or lazy the remedy for poor recitations usually is, "Take the same lesson for to-morrow."

From Project Gutenberg

In unskillful hands the frail dugout would surely have been wrecked or upset.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the unskillful player had to root for it, while the boys, being called together, encircled him and jeered.

From Project Gutenberg

Mollie and Betty, the two best skaters, rather hung back, letting the more unskillful Amy and Grace lead the way.

From Project Gutenberg