Uncultured: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncultured

 

[ʌnˈkʌlʧərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

lack of refinement

Lacking in culture, refinement, or sophistication. Uncivilized or uneducated.

Synonyms

barbaric, crude, uncivilized, unpolished.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncultured

This word is usually used to describe someone who lacks education or sophistication, particularly in arts and manners.

  • He seemed uncultured, not knowing anything about classical music or literature
uncivilized

This term describes societies or behaviors that do not conform to the norms of civilized society. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of social and moral development.

  • Living in such an uncivilized manner, without any laws or organization, was unimaginable to him
barbaric

This refers to something that is extremely cruel, violent, and primitive. It has a very strong, negative connotation.

  • Their barbaric treatment of prisoners shocked the international community
unpolished

Used to describe something or someone that is not refined or elegant, often in terms of manners or skills. This can have a softer, less negative tone than 'crude'.

  • His performance was good, but somewhat unpolished, indicating his need for more practice
crude

Often used to describe behavior or language that is vulgar or lacking in refinement. It can also refer to something in its raw or unrefined state.

  • His jokes were crude and offended many of his colleagues

Examples of usage

  • His uncultured behavior at the dinner party was embarrassing.
  • The uncultured tourists were disrespectful to the local customs.
Context #2 | Adjective

lacking in knowledge or experience

Lacking knowledge or experience in a particular area. Ignorant or inexperienced.

Synonyms

ignorant, inexperienced, uninformed, unlearned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncultured

Used to describe someone who lacks cultural refinement or sophistication. Generally, it is used in social or artistic contexts.

  • He was considered uncultured for not appreciating classical music.
  • Her manners at the dinner party revealed her uncultured background.
ignorant

Used to describe someone who lacks knowledge or awareness about a particular subject or fact. It can be used in various contexts, including academic, social, or political discussions. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • He made an ignorant comment about the cultural practices of other countries.
  • Being ignorant about the new regulations could lead to serious consequences.
inexperienced

Used to describe someone who lacks practical experience or expertise in a certain area. This word is usually neutral and often used in professional or skill-based contexts.

  • She was too inexperienced to handle the project on her own.
  • His inexperienced driving led to several minor accidents.
uninformed

Used to describe someone who lacks information or knowledge about a specific topic. It is often used in contexts where access to information is assumed to be available but was neglected.

  • The public remains uninformed about the changes in the policy.
  • Making an uninformed decision could harm your investments.
unlearned

Used to describe someone who lacks formal education or knowledge. This term is archaic and is less commonly used in modern language. It can have a somewhat negative tone.

  • In the old village, the unlearned often relied on oral traditions.
  • He was seen as unlearned by his peers due to his lack of formal schooling.

Examples of usage

  • His uncultured understanding of art was evident in his critique.
  • She felt uncultured in the world of finance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'un-' (not) with 'cultured,' derived from Latin 'cultura,' meaning cultivation or refinement.
  • Initially, 'cultured' referred to farming and growing crops before evolving to indicate a person's refinement and knowledge.
  • The prefix 'un-' denotes the opposite state, thus 'uncultured' implies a lack of refinement.

Social Context

  • In society, the term often describes someone who may lack knowledge of art, literature, or proper etiquette, potentially leading to stereotypes about their background.
  • The term can carry a heavy stigma, implying that someone is not part of the educated or elite circles.
  • Some argue that using 'uncultured' can be elitist, as it judges people's experiences based on limited cultural standards.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that emotional intelligence can be linked to cultural understanding, affecting how one is perceived as cultured or uncultured.
  • People may feel defensive or judged when labeled 'uncultured,' impacting their self-esteem and willingness to engage in cultural learning.
  • The sense of being 'cultured' is often tied to one's upbringing and access to education, showing how environment shapes self-perception.

Literature

  • Various authors have explored the theme of cultural ignorance, often depicting characters labeled as 'uncultured' in contrast to refined protagonists.
  • In some literary works, the clash between cultured and uncultured characters serves as a means of social commentary, revealing societal values and norms.
  • Famous works, like 'Pride and Prejudice,' explore class distinctions and ideas of culture, showcasing characters judged by their 'cultured' status.

Cultural Critique

  • The concept of being 'cultured' can vary greatly across different cultures, emphasizing the subjective nature of these labels.
  • In modern discussions, the idea of cultural appropriation enters the conversation about being 'uncultured,' highlighting misunderstandings of traditions.
  • Many contemporary thinkers advocate for expanding the definition of culture to include diverse global influences, pushing back against the notion of being 'uncultured.'

Translations

Translations of the word "uncultured" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inculto

🇮🇳 अशिक्षित

🇩🇪 unkultiviert

🇮🇩 tidak berbudaya

🇺🇦 некультурний

🇵🇱 niewykształcony

🇯🇵 無教養

🇫🇷 inculte

🇪🇸 inculto

🇹🇷 kültürsüz

🇰🇷 교양 없는

🇸🇦 غير مثقف

🇨🇿 nekulturní

🇸🇰 nekultúrny

🇨🇳 未开化

🇸🇮 nekulturen

🇮🇸 ómenntaður

🇰🇿 мәдениетсіз

🇬🇪 გაუნათლებელი

🇦🇿 mədəniyyətsiz

🇲🇽 inculto

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,144 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.