Skillless

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Lacking the talent, training or proficiency needed to do something well
2. Showing no ability or expertise in a particular task or activity
3. Having no competence, so that one performs poorly or clumsily at a given craft

Etymology: "Skillless" is a plain formation: the noun "skill" with the suffix "-less," meaning "without," so it describes someone or something lacking skill. "Skill" itself came into English from Old Norse "skil," meaning distinction or discernment, a sense that survives in the older idea of knowing the difference between things. The suffix "-less" comes from Old English "-lēas," which is also the root of the word "loose," the two having separated in form over the centuries. Because "-less" attaches so readily to nouns, English speakers have long been able to coin negative adjectives like this on the spot, which is why "skillless" can be understood at once even though it is rarely found in dictionaries of older English.

Synonyms: unskilled, inept, unskilful, incompetent, clumsy

Antonyms: skilled, skilful, adept, expert, accomplished