What is the opposite of a professional

amateur

The opposite of a professional can be described as an amateur or a beginner. An amateur is someone who engages in an activity or pursuit without professional training or expertise. While a professional possesses knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular field, an amateur typically lacks the same level of proficiency.

To determine the opposite of a word like "professional," you can consider the broader context and identify terms that represent the polar opposite characteristics. In this case, contrasting professional attributes include expertise, skill, experience, and formal training. By understanding the qualities that define a professional, you can identify the opposite as someone who lacks those qualities, typically an amateur.