amateur
He's an amateur photographer who takes pictures as a hobby.
He does photography not for money but for enjoyment.
a person who engages in an activity without payment; a non-professional
The tennis tournament was open to both amateurs and professionals.
Players who were not paid athletes could compete alongside paid ones.
Often implies enthusiasm or lack of formal training rather than incompetence.
lacking skill or expertise; inexperienced
Her amateur attempt at baking resulted in a burnt cake.
Her unskilled baking produced a ruined cake.
Can carry a mildly negative connotation when describing poor quality.
engaging in an activity for pleasure rather than financial gain
The orchestra includes both amateur and professional musicians.
Some musicians perform for enjoyment, others for income.
Common in arts, sports, and hobbies.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding negative connotations
When describing someone as an 'amateur', clarify whether you mean 'non-professional' (neutral) or 'inexperienced' (potentially negative). Context matters: 'She's an amateur painter' sounds neutral, while 'His amateur work was disappointing' sounds critical.
Gold Rule
Amateur vs. Professional
Use 'amateur' for someone who does an activity without being paid, regardless of skill level. Use 'professional' for someone who is paid to do it. Skill level is separate from payment status.
Word Origin
From Latin 'amator' meaning 'lover', from 'amare' (to love). Entered English in the 18th century with the sense of 'one who loves an art or science', later developing the modern meaning of 'non-professional'.
Usage Notes
While 'amateur' can describe someone without formal training, it does not necessarily imply poor quality—many amateurs are highly skilled. The term 'dilettante' often carries a more negative connotation of superficial interest.