dim-witted

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dim-witted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is not particularly clever or quick-witted. For example: "The dim-witted clown made silly mistakes throughout the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A dim-witted metaphor".

The Guardian

It seems dim-witted now.

The Guardian

That's really dim-witted from Song.

The Guardian - Sport

Too bad, all of you unattractive, dim-witted, sobersided girls.

The New York Times

— seems to turn him almost insane with dim-witted suspicion.

The New Yorker

The only one who can save the day is a dim-witted construction worker called Emmet.

Independent

I have no idea why he likes that worthless, dim-witted, ne'er-do-well bum".

The New Yorker

It's not a message a truly dim-witted candidate would try to send.

The Economist

When they see lock sellers brazenly offering locks to dim-witted tourists, they almost go crazy.

The New Yorker

The Minister was nudged gently in the ribs and offered that dim-witted smile.

The New Yorker

But for them the real prize is getting one over on those dim-witted ofays.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dim-witted", consider the context to avoid being unnecessarily offensive. Opt for milder synonyms like "unintelligent" or "slow-witted" in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "dim-witted" in academic or professional writing. It's generally perceived as informal and can undermine the credibility of your argument. Instead, opt for more neutral terms such as "unintelligent" or "lacking insight".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dim-witted" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something lacking intelligence or quick understanding. Examples from Ludwig show it used to characterize individuals, metaphors, and even general groups of people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "dim-witted" is used to describe someone or something as unintelligent or lacking understanding. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While prevalent in news and media, it’s crucial to consider the register and context, avoiding its use in formal writing. Instead, opting for synonyms such as "unintelligent", "stupid", or "slow-witted" might be more appropriate in those situations. The term appears frequently across various sources, as shown by Ludwig, but its informal nature necessitates careful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintelligent

Direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of intelligence.

stupid

Common synonym, suggesting a general lack of intellectual capacity.

slow-witted

Highlights a slowness in understanding.

dull-witted

Similar to slow-witted, emphasizing a lack of mental sharpness.

foolish

Implies a lack of good sense or judgment.

dense

Informal term for being slow to understand.

simple-minded

Implies a lack of complexity in thought.

brainless

Suggests a complete lack of intelligence.

obtuse

Suggests a stubborn refusal to understand.

nitwitted

Informal and somewhat humorous term for being foolish.

FAQs

How can I use "dim-witted" in a sentence?

You can use "dim-witted" to describe someone who lacks intelligence or understanding, such as, "The "dim-witted" character made a series of unfortunate decisions".

What are some alternatives to "dim-witted"?

Alternatives to "dim-witted" include "unintelligent", "stupid", or "slow-witted", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dim-witted" in formal writing?

No, "dim-witted" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more neutral or academic terms.

What is the difference between "dim-witted" and "foolish"?

"Dim-witted" suggests a lack of intelligence, while "foolish" implies a lack of good sense or judgment. While they can overlap, "foolish" often refers to actions, whereas "dim-witted" describes a general attribute.