Various (meth)acrylamides were synthesized in good yields directly from (meth)acrylic acid and an amine using microwave irradiation in a solvent free environment. Under the applied conditions the (meth)acrylic function is preserved. Furthermore the addition of an initiator like 2,2'-azoisobutyronitrile (AlBN) to the starting mixture leads directly to poly(meth)acrylamides in a single step.