Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

jackleg

noun

/ˈjakˌleg/

Definition

A term used to describe someone who is not a trained or skilled worker in a particular field, often implying a lack of professionalism.

Examples

Despite his jackleg approach, he managed to fix the broken plumbing.
The jackleg contractor did not meet the standards, leading to many complaints.
She was tired of hiring jackleg electricians who couldn’t get the job done right.

Meaning

Jackleg refers to a person who engages in a trade or profession without proper training, skills, or qualifications. It is often used derogatorily to indicate that someone is an amateur or does a job poorly.