Uninformed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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uninformed
[ˌʌnɪnˈfɔːrmd ]
Definition
lack of knowledge
Not having enough knowledge or information about a particular subject or situation. Being ignorant or unaware.
Synonyms
clueless, ignorant, ill-informed, unaware.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| uninformed |
Used when someone lacks knowledge or information about a particular subject or situation, often without any negative connotation.
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| ignorant |
Used when someone lacks knowledge or awareness in general or about a particular thing. This term can have a negative connotation, suggesting that the person should have known better or is intentionally avoiding knowledge.
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| unaware |
Used when someone is not conscious or mindful of something, generally without any negative connotation. It can imply a temporary or situational lack of awareness.
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| ill-informed |
Used when someone has incorrect or insufficient information, often implying that they have received bad or misleading information. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.
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| clueless |
Used to describe someone who is completely unaware or lacking understanding about something, often in a more casual or conversational manner. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative tone, implying a certain level of incompetence.
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Examples of usage
- He made an uninformed decision without considering all the facts.
- Her uninformed opinions were based on rumors rather than facts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Uninformed individuals may struggle to make decisions because they lack key information.
- Educational methods aim to reduce uninformed perspectives by promoting critical thinking and information literacy.
- A common goal in education is to turn uninformed people into informed citizens, especially in democratic societies.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases, like the Dunning-Kruger effect, can lead uninformed people to overestimate their own knowledge.
- Studies show that being uninformed can cause stress and anxiety, especially during important decision-making times.
- People tend to feel more confident about their opinions when they are uninformed than when they actually possess knowledge.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often showcases uninformed characters making comically poor decisions.
- Social media has amplified the spread of misinformation, contributing to a rise in uninformed opinions on various topics.
- There are numerous satirical references in movies highlighting characters who are hilariously uninformed.
Politics
- Being uninformed can lead to poor voting choices, emphasizing the importance of informed citizenship.
- Politicians may exploit the uninformed electorate by using misleading information to gain support.
- Campaigns are often designed to educate voters and combat the influence of uninformed decisions on election outcomes.
Origin of 'uninformed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin root 'informare', meaning 'to shape or form'.
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', making 'uninformed' literally mean 'not shaped by information'.
- The term has been used since the early 19th century to describe a lack of knowledge.
The word 'uninformed' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'informed' meaning 'having knowledge or awareness'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 18th century. Over time, 'uninformed' has been used to describe individuals who lack knowledge or information on a particular topic.
See also: disinformation, inform, informality, informally, informant, informatics, information, informative, informed, informer, informers, informing, misinform, misinformation, misinformed, misinforming.