a rather stupid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather stupid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is perceived as foolish or lacking in intelligence, often in a subjective context. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was a rather stupid move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But she likens him to "a rather stupid dachshund".

The New York Times - Books

Actually it was a rather stupid thing to do".

The New York Times

Attempts to create an intelligent economy could end up being a rather stupid idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a moral call, albeit a rather stupid one in my opinion.

The Guardian

"She was ecstatically, completely overwhelmed by it," Cartland said, "as only a rather stupid woman can be".

The Guardian

This spring, in St. John, he pleaded guilty to stealing several thousand dollars' worth of goods from three Atlantic Superstores, in full view of surveillance cameras — committing what his own lawyer summed up as "a rather stupid offense".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"That a candidate who wants to put an ad on television has to assert, in a rather stupid-sounding manner, 'I stand behind the views I just articulated' certainly has a First Amendment price," Mr. Abrams said.

The New York Times

Lina Fajerman Sister Suffragette from Mary Poppins "We're clearly soldiers in petticoats / And dauntless crusaders for women's votes / Though we adore men individually / We agree that as a group they're rather stupid!" Following a dreamy evening at a new play – Oxygen – celebrating the great suffrage pilgrimage of 1913, this song kept going round and round in my head.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nevertheless, she is a dear person; just like a very fat rather stupid little dog.

Wikipedia

Onstage and off, Mirren has been defined by her intelligence; however, she still professes to "feeling rather stupid," a sense of deficit that, incidentally, makes her a good audience.

The New Yorker

But if you have not prepared and you are facing a doctor, there comes a moment that you just feel rather stupid when you don't know the answer".

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather stupid" to express a subjective judgment about an action, idea, or statement, emphasizing its lack of intelligence or good sense. This phrase allows you to convey your opinion in a polite, yet critical, manner.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather stupid" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral and objective language, such as "ill-advised" or "unreasonable", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, typically used to express a subjective assessment of something lacking intelligence or good judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It can be used with various nouns, like "decision", "idea" or "move".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rather stupid" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival phrase for expressing a subjective assessment that something lacks intelligence or good judgment. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While not overly formal, it is more suitable for informal or conversational settings than academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives such as "quite foolish" or "somewhat unintelligent" in more formal situations. The phrase serves to convey disapproval in a mild or understated manner, communicating that the speaker believes something is not well-thought-out or sensible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite foolish

Emphasizes the lack of good sense or judgment.

rather unwise

Focuses on the poor judgment or lack of wisdom in a decision or action.

somewhat unintelligent

Highlights the lack of intellectual capacity to a degree.

a bit idiotic

Suggests a higher degree of foolishness or absurdity.

rather simple-minded

Focuses on a lack of complexity or sophistication in thought.

slightly dim-witted

Highlights a mild lack of intelligence or quick understanding.

somewhat brainless

Suggests a lack of thought or consideration.

a tad dense

Indicates difficulty in understanding complex topics or situations.

somewhat absurd

Highlights the lack of logic or reason.

a little bird-brained

Implies a lack of intelligence and a tendency to forget things.

FAQs

How can I use "a rather stupid" in a sentence?

You can use "a rather stupid" to describe an action, decision, or idea that lacks intelligence or good judgment. For example: "Investing all your money in that venture was "a rather stupid" idea."

What are some alternatives to "a rather stupid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "quite foolish", "somewhat unintelligent", or "rather unwise".

Is it appropriate to use "a rather stupid" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a rather stupid" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use more professional alternatives like "ill-advised" or "unreasonable".

What's the difference between "a rather stupid" and "stupid"?

Adding "a rather" softens the directness of "stupid", making it a more polite or understated way to express the same sentiment. It implies a less harsh judgment.