Inexperienced

/ˌɪnɪkˈspɪərɪnst/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Lacking experience or knowledge in a particular field or activity.

The inexperienced driver struggled to navigate through the busy streets.

Not having the skills or knowledge that are expected from someone in a particular context.

Her inexperienced approach to negotiation led to a less favorable outcome.

New to a job, task, or situation and not yet skilled in performing it.

The company hired several inexperienced interns for the summer to gain new perspectives.

Showing qualities of a beginner rather than an expert.

The inexperienced gardener made a few common mistakes in planting the flowers.

The word inexperienced is formed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'experienced', from the Latin 'experientem'.

green around the gills

refers to someone who is inexperienced or looks ill.

wet behind the ears

refers to someone who is very new or inexperienced in a particular field.

new kid on the block

refers to a person who is new to a particular environment or situation, often implying inexperience.

novice

a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.

trainee

a person who is being trained for a job or skill.

amateur

a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis.

noob

He's such a noob at video games; he doesn't know the controls.

rookie

As a rookie, she made a lot of mistakes in her first game.