# unskillfully

**Pronunciation:** /ʌnˈskɪlfəli/ · un-SKILL-fuh-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a manner that shows a lack of skill, training, or ability.

## Examples

- He handled the delicate situation unskillfully, making it worse.
- The chef unskillfully chopped the vegetables, resulting in uneven pieces.
- She painted the wall unskillfully, leaving streaks and drips.

## Synonyms

- clumsily — Suggests awkwardness and lack of coordination.
- awkwardly — Implies social discomfort or physical ungainliness.
- ineptly — Emphasizes a complete lack of competence or ability.
- bunglingly — Suggests making mistakes in a clumsy or incompetent way.

## Antonyms

- skillfully — With great ability and expertise.
- adeptly — With great skill or proficiency.
- expertly — In a way that shows great knowledge or ability.

## Common patterns

- unskillfully — In a way that lacks skill or competence. — The child unskillfully tried to tie his shoelaces.

## Collocations

- act unskillfully — He acted unskillfully in front of the board members.
- handle unskillfully — The mechanic handled the engine unskillfully, causing more damage.
- perform unskillfully — The musician performed unskillfully, missing many notes.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/unskillfully

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