Definition of “amateur” - English Dictionary

American
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“amateur” in English

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amateuradjective

uk ​ /ˈæm.ə.tər/ us ​ /ˈæm.ə.tʃɚ/

C1 taking part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job:

an amateur astronomer/boxer/historian
He was an amateur singer until the age of 40, when he turned professional.
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professional adjective

› relating to an activity, especially a sport, where the people taking part do not receive money:

amateur athletics

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amateurnoun [ C ]

uk ​ /ˈæm.ə.tər/ us ​ /ˈæm.ə.t̬ʃɚ/

C1 a person who takes part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job:

This tennis tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
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professional adjective

C1 disapproving someone who does not have much skill in what they do:

I won't be giving them any more work - they're a bunch of amateurs.

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(Definition of “amateur” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“amateur” in American English

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amateuradjective

us ​ /ˈæm·əˌtʃɜr, -əˌtʃʊər, -ə·t̬ər/

› taking part in an activity for pleasure and not as a job, or (of an activity) done for pleasure and not as a job:

He was an amateur archaeologist.

amateurnoun [ C ]

us ​ /ˈæm·əˌtʃɜr, -əˌtʃʊər, -ə·t̬ər/

› An amateur is also someone who lacks skill in doing something:

Some of the people who show up at practice shooting ranges are real amateurs.

(Definition of “amateur” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“amateur” in Business English

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amateuradjective

uk ​ /ˈæmətər/ us ​

› taking part in an activity because you are interested in it or enjoy it, not as a job:

an amateur investor
an amateur astronomer/actor/historian
Compare
professional adjective

amateurnoun [ C ]

uk ​ /ˈæmətər/ us ​

› a person who takes part in an activity because they are interested in it or enjoy it, not as a job:

This conference is open to both amateurs and professionals.

› disapproving someone who does not have much skill in what they do:

I won't be giving them any more work - they're a bunch of amateurs.

(Definition of “amateur” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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