amateurism

Definition of amateurismnext
as in amateurishness
a lack of the level of skill associated with an expert or professional the new defense secretary proceeded to criticize the amateurism of the nation's war effort up to that point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of amateurism But Wright’s case is also illustrating why the NCAA’s argument about amateurism is becoming harder to square with the economics of the modern college engine. Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 What were once basic tenets — amateurism, transfers, years of eligibility — have been upended. Seth Emerson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 That spelled the end of the amateurism model so familiar for decades in college sports. ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 Here and elsewhere, global scrutiny regarding environmental preservation has reached unprecedented levels, and there is less of a tolerence for the intuition or amateurism that, for decades, characterized certain segments of the industry. Marcelo Assunção, Forbes.com, 20 Mar. 2026 What struck Rigby Assad wasn’t the amateurism of the inquiry but its internal logic. Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026 The rise of name, image and likeness has transformed college athletics, intensifying debate over amateurism for student-athletes. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 27 Feb. 2026 The definition of amateurism has become a hot topic in recent months, particularly in college basketball with some instances of former G-League and international players being granted eligibility. Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026 For a long time, amateurism was the name of the game at the Olympics. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateurism
Noun
  • Their design was unpolished, even primitive, seemingly to convey a sense of slapdash amateurishness.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amateurism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateurism. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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