Uneducated: meaning, definitions and examples

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uneducated

 

[ ˌʌnˈɛdʒʊˌkeɪtɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lack of formal education

Not having received a formal education or lacking knowledge in a particular subject.

Synonyms

ignorant, illiterate, uninformed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uneducated

This word is appropriate for describing someone who has not had formal education. It does not inherently carry a negative connotation and focuses on lack of schooling.

  • She grew up in a rural area and remains largely uneducated.
  • Being uneducated, he had to work in manual labor roles.
ignorant

This word is often used to describe someone who lacks knowledge or awareness in a specific area. It can have a negative connotation, implying a deliberate lack of effort to learn.

  • He made an ignorant comment about the issue, demonstrating his lack of understanding.
  • She was ignorant of the local customs, which led to some awkward situations.
uninformed

Use this word to describe someone who does not have the necessary information about a particular topic. It lacks the negative overtones of 'ignorant' and is more neutral.

  • The public was largely uninformed about the upcoming changes in policy.
  • I was uninformed about the risks involved in the investment.
illiterate

This term is used specifically to indicate someone who cannot read or write. It clearly points to a lack of basic literacy skills.

  • Many adults in the area are illiterate due to the scarcity of schools.
  • She volunteered to teach illiterate adults how to read.

Examples of usage

  • He was often criticized for his uneducated opinions on politics.
  • Her uneducated background did not prevent her from pursuing her dreams.
Context #2 | Adjective

lacking cultural refinement

Not possessing cultural or intellectual refinement.

Synonyms

crude, uncultured, unrefined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uneducated

Refers to someone who has not received formal education or lacks certain levels of schooling. It is neutral and often used in discussing access to education or the necessity of educational reforms.

  • Many children in remote areas remain uneducated due to lack of schools.
  • He felt uneducated compared to his colleagues with university degrees.
uncultured

Used to describe someone who has not been exposed to the arts, literature, or other aspects of cultivated life. This word can carry a mildly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of sophistication or appreciation for higher cultural norms.

  • He was criticized as uncultured because he showed no interest in classical music or art.
  • Despite his wealth, he remained uncultured and uninterested in high society events.
crude

Describes a person who is rough in manners or speech, often lacking politeness or social norms. This term has a negative connotation and implies an absence of refinement or sophistication.

  • Her jokes were considered crude and offended many people.
  • The crude behavior of the guests ruined the formal dinner party.
unrefined

Indicates a lack of polish, sophistication, or gentleness in manners, taste, or appearance. It may imply that someone or something is raw, basic, or coarse.

  • His unrefined taste in art puzzled his highbrow friends.
  • The unrefined manners of the newcomer were quickly noticed by everyone at the gala.

Examples of usage

  • The uneducated behavior of the guests shocked the host.
  • His uneducated taste in art was evident from his collection.

Translations

Translations of the word "uneducated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não educado

🇮🇳 अशिक्षित

🇩🇪 ungebildet

🇮🇩 tidak berpendidikan

🇺🇦 недосвідчений

🇵🇱 niewykształcony

🇯🇵 無教育

🇫🇷 non éduqué

🇪🇸 no educado

🇹🇷 eğitimsiz

🇰🇷 교육을 받지 못한

🇸🇦 غير متعلم

🇨🇿 nevzdělaný

🇸🇰 nevzdelaný

🇨🇳 未受教育

🇸🇮 neizobražen

🇮🇸 ómenntaður

🇰🇿 білімсіз

🇬🇪 განათლების არმქონე

🇦🇿 təhsilsiz

🇲🇽 no educado

Etymology

The word 'uneducated' originated in the late 16th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'educated'. It has been used to describe individuals lacking formal education or cultural refinement. The term highlights the importance of learning and knowledge in society.

See also: educable, educated, educatedly, educating, education, educational, educator, educators.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,821, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.