inexpert
/ɪnˈekspɜːt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈekspɜːrt/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)i-ˈnek-ˌspərt ˌi-nik-ˈspərt/ (ame, mw)
inexpert — adjective
- inexpertpositive
- more inexpertcomparative
- most inexpertsuperlative
1. describing a person, or the way they do something, that shows they have not lear
describing a person, or the way they do something, that shows they have not learned the practical ability needed to do it well.
Hari was still inexpert at folding dumplings, and his first batch fell apart in the pot.
pattern: inexpert at + -ing for a practical skill
The carpenter could tell from the inexpert hammer marks that a child had built the shelf.
collocation: inexpert + tool noun (hammer marks, brush strokes)
Sofia gave the violin an inexpert squeeze of the bow and the room filled with a sour note.
Even an inexpert reader can tell that the second draft of the essay is much clearer than the first.
Élise apologised for her inexpert repair of the broken chair leg before the guests arrived.
- unskilled
neutral, much more common in speech; same meaning without the formal tone
- amateurish
stronger negative tone; suggests the result looks embarrassingly poor
- clumsy
focuses on awkward physical movement rather than missing training
- inept
broader; covers both poor skill and poor judgement, often with a sharper criticism
- expert
direct opposite; someone with deep, trained skill
- skilled
everyday opposite; trained and reliable at the task
- accomplished
formal opposite; suggests a high level of achieved ability
文法句型
inexpert at + noun/-ing
inexpert in + noun
用法筆記
Most often modifies a noun naming an action, a piece of work, or a person performing a task ('an inexpert repair', 'an inexpert driver'). Predicate use almost always pairs with 'at' plus a gerund or noun naming the skill. Formal register — in everyday speech, 'unskilled' or 'not very good at' is far more common.