closed-minded

USAGE SUMMARY

"closed-minded" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is unwilling to consider new ideas or perspectives. Example: "His closed-minded attitude made it difficult to have a productive discussion." Alternative expressions include "narrow-minded" and "inflexible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Perhaps the revival of closed-minded and intolerant Christian "fundamentalism" also comes to mind.

Huffington Post

You're closed-minded".

The New Yorker

Libyans are not closed-minded.

The Guardian

I'm just too closed-minded to care.

Independent

His partner was too traditional, too closed-minded.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Scientists are very closed-minded," she told the BBC.

Independent

"Once we arrive, they're still pretty closed-minded," he said.

The New York Times

Actually, success on the golf course requires being closed-minded.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The attitudes of the closed minded club officials must change immediately.

Huffington Post

Who cares if someone calls you weird, they're just closed minded and ignorant!

WikiHow

Americans are so closed minded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of your critique; while "closed-minded" is versatile, using "unreceptive" may be more professional in a business context where you want to remain objective.

Common error

Avoid the common mistake of thinking only one form is correct. While both are used, "closed-minded" is traditionally preferred in formal writing and British English. Using the past participle 'closed' correctly indicates the state of the mind being 'shut' to new ideas. In American English, "close-minded" is also frequent, but consistency within your document is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closed-minded" primarily functions as an adjective. It is a compound modifier formed by the past participle 'closed' and the noun-derived adjective 'minded'. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it is used to attribute a quality of intellectual or social rigidity to individuals, groups, or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki & General Knowledge

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academic

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "closed-minded" is a highly effective and widely used adjective to describe an unwillingness to consider new ideas or alternative viewpoints. Data from Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is exceptionally common in high-tier news publications and professional environments. While the variant "close-minded" exists, the hyphenated "closed-minded" remains the standard for formal writing. It serves as a powerful tool for social and intellectual critique, often paired with themes of prejudice, tradition, or dogmatism. Writers should ensure consistent hyphenation and consider synonyms like "narrow-minded" or "unreceptive" to fine-tune the intensity of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow-minded

Focuses on a limited perspective or range of experience rather than a deliberate refusal of new ideas.

blinkered

Common in British English, it implies a restricted view as if the person is wearing blinders.

unreceptive

A more neutral, less critical way to describe a lack of openness to new information.

intolerant

Suggests a more aggressive or active rejection of different beliefs or behaviors.

prejudiced

Specifically implies having preconceived opinions that are not based on reason or actual experience.

dogmatic

Emphasizes the arrogant or rigid insistence on specific doctrines or principles.

hidebound

A more formal term implying an unwillingness to change because of outdated traditions.

inflexible

Highlights a lack of adaptability or willingness to modify one's stance.

rigid

Describes an unyielding mental state that lacks the fluidity to accept change.

bigoted

The strongest alternative, specifically referring to obstinate prejudice against a particular group.

FAQs

How do I use "closed-minded" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an individual or an attitude, such as "His "closed-minded" approach prevented the team from finding a creative solution."

Is it "closed-minded" or "close-minded"?

Both are acceptable, but "closed-minded" is the more traditional form and is preferred in formal contexts. You can find more examples of the variant "close-minded" to see how it differs in usage frequency.

What is the difference between "closed-minded" and "narrow-minded"?

While often interchangeable, "closed-minded" implies a refusal to consider anything new, whereas "narrow-minded" often suggests a lack of exposure or a restricted breadth of view.

What can I say instead of "closed-minded"?

Depending on your tone, you can use alternatives like "intolerant", "blinkered", or "unreceptive".