unskilled
UK: ʌnˈskɪld | US: ʌnˈskɪld
adj. lacking skill or training; not skilled
adj. requiring little or no skill to perform
The word "unskilled" combines the negative prefix "un-" (from Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the root "skill" (from Old Norse "skil," meaning "discernment or ability") and the suffix "-ed" (used to form adjectives). The term emerged in Middle English to describe someone lacking specific abilities or training, reflecting a straightforward negation of competence. Over time, it became associated with labor categories, distinguishing workers by their level of expertise.
The factory hired unskilled workers for manual tasks.
Unskilled labor often faces lower wages and job insecurity.
She felt unskilled in coding but decided to take a course.
The project failed due to unskilled management.
Many entry-level jobs are designed for unskilled applicants.