out of practice
Lacking recent repetition
Out of practice describes someone whose skills have declined from lack of use.
The phrase implies former competence now diminished: I used to play piano well, but I'm out of practice.
Getting back in practice restores the lost ability.
The opposite is in practice—actively maintaining a skill through regular use.
- lapsedEnded through neglect
- rustyCorroded or unpracticed
- unskilledLacking acquired competence
- relearningGaining back lost knowledge
- getting backReturning to origin
back in the saddle · inactive · deteriorated · forgotten · neglected · use it or lose it · awkward · disengaged · hesitant · repetition · coaching · brush up on · refreshment · maladroit · inept · untrained · dormant · faltering
- lack of skillincompetence, ineptitude, clumsiness, awkwardness, inexperience
practice, practiced, practicing, practitioner, practicable, practical, practically, impractical, malpractice