are unskilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unskilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups who lack the necessary skills or expertise in a particular area. Example: "Many of the applicants for the job are unskilled and require additional training before they can be effective in their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The majority are unskilled migrant workers.

The New York Times

Not all the migrants are unskilled workers, however.

The New Yorker

We are as competitive as we are unskilled.

The New York Times - Magazine

But if you are unskilled, then the pay is very low.

The Guardian

About 73% of them came for family re-unification, which often means they are unskilled.

The Economist

Where locals are unskilled – in plumbing, electrical wiring, welding – foreign volunteers are brought in to work and help train.

The Guardian

Even more sophisticated tests often go wrong because many doctors and nurses are unskilled at taking nasal swabs.

The New York Times

Many eastern Europeans they see are economic migrants, who come to Britain to work, but are unskilled or ill-prepared.

The Guardian

Keynesian policy assumes that the pool of unemployed are unskilled manual workers ready to dig holes anywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

For one thing, many of India's youths are unskilled and work as peddlers or not at all.

The New York Times

But the migrants who arrive in the back of lorries and huddled in small boats are unskilled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unskilled", consider specifying the area in which the skills are lacking for clarity. For example, "are unskilled in data analysis" is more informative than simply "are unskilled".

Common error

Avoid using "are unskilled" as a blanket statement about individuals or groups. Recognize that people may possess skills in some areas but lack them in others. Be specific about the skills you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unskilled" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing the subject's lack of skill. Ludwig provides many examples where it modifies nouns referring to people or workforces, highlighting their lack of competence in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are unskilled" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of skill or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, science and formal business. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience, and be specific about the skills being referenced to avoid overgeneralizations. While often carrying a negative connotation, it can also be a neutral observation, highlighting the need for training or development. Alternatives like "lack proficiency" or "are untrained" may be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Ludwig examples highlight the use of this phrase to describe specific groups of people, such as migrant workers or untrained medical staff.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not skilled

A simple and direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

are deficient in skills

Directly states a shortage or absence of necessary abilities.

are untrained

Focuses on the absence of formal training or instruction.

do not possess the skills

A more formal way of stating the absence of necessary abilities.

are inexperienced

Highlights a lack of practical experience in a particular area.

have no expertise

Emphasizes the complete absence of specialized knowledge or skill.

lack proficiency

Emphasizes a lack of developed skill or competence.

are unqualified

Suggests a failure to meet the necessary qualifications for a task or role.

are not adept

Implies a general lack of skill or aptitude.

are incompetent

Indicates a significant lack of ability or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "are unskilled" in a sentence?

You can use "are unskilled" to describe individuals or groups lacking expertise in a particular area. For example, "Many of the new recruits "are unskilled" in operating the machinery."

What's the difference between "are unskilled" and "are untrained"?

"Are unskilled" implies a general lack of ability, while "are untrained" specifically suggests a lack of formal instruction or education.

What can I say instead of "are unskilled"?

You can use alternatives like "lack proficiency", "are inexperienced", or "are not adept" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say someone is unskilled?

While "are unskilled" often carries a negative connotation, it can also be a neutral observation. It depends on the context and the intent of the statement. It can highlight the need for training or development, rather than being a pure judgement.