dumb

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dumb" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it can be used to describe something or someone lacking intelligence, understanding, or common sense. For example, "The man's decision to buy a car without test driving it first was incredibly dumb."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

· Secondary education was reduced in Turkmenistan by one year, prompting human rights groups to complain of a deliberate attempt to dumb down the population to prevent dissent.

The Guardian

"I made two dumb mistakes, but other than that the only thing I struggled with was the pace of the greens.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a flood of books – 600 plus, many of them weighty academic tomes dedicated to the original dumb blonde.

The Guardian - Opinion

If people tune in at all any more, it's only out of dumb routine.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's almost impossible to get a left wing academic to understand, this one's dumb.

The Guardian

Today's Australia is not home to the kind of conservatives who would be ideological enough or dumb enough to contemplate such a political campaign.

The Guardian

She hadn't gotten out of the old personality – the dumb blonde from Niagara and Asphalt Jungle.

The Guardian

Constructing a film narrative, even a dumb one, is painstaking, expensive work, often involving high-priced special effects, or stroking the backs of known faces who can "open".

The Guardian - Film

Birdman is Alejandro González Iñárritu's inspired, single-take backstage nightmare about a failing movie star played by Michael Keaton, haunted by "Birdman", the dumb superhero role which made him rich and famous and which he huffily rejected in favour of a serious career that has failed to take flight.

The Guardian - Film

This prize is, for me, fantastically obtuse, exasperating and dumb.

The Guardian - Film

This suggests a turn in the tide when Murdoch swallows his pride and admits reducing women to dumb bare bodies doesn't sell as well as it did.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dumb" to describe a person, be mindful of the potentially offensive nature of the word. Consider using alternatives like "unintelligent" or "foolish" in more formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "dumb" when you specifically mean someone is unable to speak (mute). While "dumb" historically meant 'unable to speak', it now primarily means 'unintelligent'. Using it to mean mute can be confusing and perpetuate ableist language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dumb" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a lack of intelligence, understanding, or the inability to speak. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts where "dumb" functions to attribute this quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Film

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Music

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dumb" is a common adjective with a primary meaning of lacking intelligence or understanding. Historically, it also meant unable to speak, but this usage is now less common. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, but advises users to be mindful of its potentially offensive nature, especially when referring to people. As demonstrated by Ludwig, "dumb" frequently appears in News & Media, Film, and Opinion contexts. Consider alternatives like "stupid" or "foolish" in more formal settings. While grammatically sound, awareness of register and potential offensiveness is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stupid

Direct synonym referring to a lack of intelligence.

foolish

Implies a lack of good sense or judgment.

unintelligent

Formal term for lacking intelligence.

brainless

Suggests a complete lack of thought or intelligence.

idiotic

Stronger term implying extreme foolishness.

moronic

Similar to idiotic, often used in a derogatory way.

dense

Informal way to describe someone slow to understand.

slow-witted

Describes someone who is slow to understand things.

mute

Refers to the inability to speak, one of the original meanings of "dumb".

speechless

Unable to speak, often due to shock or surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "dumb" in a sentence?

"Dumb" can be used to describe a person, action, or idea that lacks intelligence or is foolish. For example, "That was a dumb thing to do" or "He made a dumb mistake".

What words can I use instead of "dumb"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "stupid", "foolish", "unintelligent", or "brainless".

Is it offensive to call someone "dumb"?

Yes, calling someone "dumb" is generally considered offensive as it implies they lack intelligence. It's better to use less direct or more polite terms, or focus on the specific behavior rather than labeling the person.

What's the difference between "dumb" and "ignorant"?

"Dumb" implies a lack of intelligence or understanding, while "ignorant" means lacking knowledge about a particular subject. Someone can be ignorant about a topic without being dumb, and vice versa.