Word

amateur

noun C1

UK /ˈæ.mə.tə/

US /ˈæ.mə.t͡ʃɚ/

Meanings

noun

A person who does a sport or activity for pleasure rather than as a job.

adjective

Not professional; done without high-level skill, training, or organization.

Definition

An amateur is someone who does an activity for enjoyment rather than as a paid professional.

An amateur takes part in an activity because they are interested in it, not because it is their job. Amateurs can be skilled, but they usually lack professional training, experience, or status. The word can also be used as an adjective to describe work or behaviour that seems unprofessional or poorly done, often critically.

Examples

As an amateur, I join local tournaments for the challenge, not the prize money.
She started as an amateur photographer, but her eye for detail was already impressive.
They dismissed the report as amateur work because the sources were poorly checked.
Although he is an amateur, he trains methodically and keeps detailed notes after every session.

Common mistake

Learners often use amateur to mean simply “young” or “beginner,” but it mainly contrasts with “professional” and can sometimes sound critical.