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Unschooled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unschooled

[ʌnˈskuːld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

education

Not having received formal education; lacking formal schooling.

Synonyms

uneducated, unlettered, untaught, untrained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unschooled

Use this word when referring to someone who has not received formal education but may still have knowledge through experience or self-teaching.

  • Although he was unschooled, he knew a great deal about farming from his years of experience.
  • Her unschooled talent in art amazed everyone.
uneducated

This word is appropriate for describing someone who lacks formal education or schooling, usually implying they may not have the basic knowledge or skills learned in school. It can have a mildly negative connotation.

  • She felt out of place in the group because she was uneducated and struggled to keep up with the conversations.
  • The village's uneducated population faces many challenges in accessing modern amenities.
unlettered

This term is often used in a literary or historical context to describe someone who is illiterate or has not been taught to read or write. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or formal tone.

  • In the olden days, many people in rural areas were unlettered due to the lack of schools.
  • The unlettered man could not read the documents himself.
untaught

This word is suitable for describing someone who has not been instructed in a specific skill or knowledge area. It implies the person has not received guidance or teaching.

  • The untaught apprentice made several mistakes while learning the new trade.
  • Her untaught singing voice had a raw but captivating quality.
untrained

Use this word when referring to someone who lacks proper training or formal preparation, usually in a specific field or profession. It suggests they are inexperienced or unskilled in that particular area.

  • An untrained person should not attempt to handle dangerous machinery.
  • The untrained employee struggled with the complex software.

Examples of usage

  • He was unschooled in traditional academic subjects but excelled in practical skills.
  • Growing up in a remote village, she was unschooled but had a thirst for knowledge.
  • His unschooled background did not hinder his success in the business world.
  • Despite being unschooled, she was able to teach herself multiple languages.
  • The unschooled child showed a natural talent for music.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Alternative Education

  • Many people choose unschooling as a lifestyle, allowing them to learn based on their interests rather than a standard curriculum.
  • Unschooling is often viewed as a way to foster creativity and independent thinking, letting learners explore subjects deeply on their own terms.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like John Locke argued that individuals are born with a 'tabula rasa' or 'blank slate', promoting the idea that education can take many forms beyond traditional schooling.
  • The idea suggests that life experiences and personal exploration are just as valuable as classroom learning.

Pop Culture

  • Some notable figures, like Leonardo da Vinci and Andrew Carnegie, were largely self-taught, illustrating the capability of unschooling in achieving greatness.
  • Unschooling is often portrayed in media as a romantic notion, with characters embarking on adventures to learn through real-world experiences.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that self-directed learning can enhance motivation and retention, showcasing the effectiveness of unschooled methods.
  • Theories of experiential learning emphasize that individuals often learn best through hands-on experiences rather than traditional instruction.

Origin of 'unschooled'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with 'schooled', which relates to formal education.
  • Historically, 'schooled' dates back to the word 'school', from the Greek 'scholē', which originally meant 'leisure' and evolved to mean a place for learning.

The term 'unschooled' originated in the mid-17th century, combining the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') with 'schooled'. It initially referred to someone who had not been formally educated or received traditional schooling. Over time, the term has come to emphasize the informal or non-traditional nature of the individual's education, often associated with self-directed learning or alternative educational approaches.

See also: preschool, school, schooling, schoolroom.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,401 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.