Unintelligent: meaning, definitions and examples

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unintelligent

 

[ ˌʌnɪnˈtɛlɪdʒənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

description

Lacking intelligence or understanding. Showing a lack of intelligence or judgement.

Synonyms

foolish, ignorant, stupid.

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Word Description / Examples
unintelligent

Use this word when referring to someone or something that lacks ability to understand or learn quickly, but not necessarily in a mean or offensive way.

  • The new robot seemed unintelligent compared to the more advanced models
  • He is hardworking but somewhat unintelligent in technical subjects
stupid

This word is generally used in a harsh and offensive manner to describe someone who lacks intelligence or common sense. It is best avoided in polite conversation.

  • That was a stupid thing to say, and it hurt her feelings
  • He felt stupid after failing to solve the simple puzzle
foolish

This word describes someone who acts in a way that lacks good sense or judgment, often in a risky or silly manner. It carries a lighter, sometimes humorous connotation.

  • It was foolish of him to go out in the storm without an umbrella
  • She made a foolish mistake on the exam, but everyone laughed it off
ignorant

This word is used to describe someone who lacks knowledge, information, or awareness about a particular topic. It can be neutral but often has a slightly negative connotation.

  • She was ignorant of the local customs and accidentally offended someone
  • His ignorance about the modern technologies was quite evident in the meeting

Examples of usage

  • He was often criticized for his unintelligent remarks during the meeting.
  • She made an unintelligent decision by investing all her money in a risky business.

Translations

Translations of the word "unintelligent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não inteligente

🇮🇳 बुद्धिहीन

🇩🇪 unintelligent

🇮🇩 tidak cerdas

🇺🇦 неінтелігентний

🇵🇱 nieinteligentny

🇯🇵 知能が低い

🇫🇷 inintelligent

🇪🇸 no inteligente

🇹🇷 akılsız

🇰🇷 지능이 낮은

🇸🇦 غير ذكي

🇨🇿 neinteligentní

🇸🇰 neinteligentný

🇨🇳 不聪明

🇸🇮 neinteligenten

🇮🇸 ógreindur

🇰🇿 ақылсыз

🇬🇪 არაინტელექტუალური

🇦🇿 ağılsız

🇲🇽 no inteligente

Etymology

The word 'unintelligent' originated in the late 17th century from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'intelligent'. It is used to describe a lack of intelligence or understanding in a person or situation.

See also: intelligence, intelligently.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,909, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.