dumb person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dumb person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense, though it may be considered offensive or derogatory. Example: "I can't believe he made that mistake; sometimes he really acts like a dumb person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I am not a dumb person.

The New York Times

It was as if a dumb person suddenly spoke.

The New Yorker

The monster comes, it kills, there's a dumb person who runs to the monster, and one who lives to tell the tale.

The New Yorker

This may be the movie's truest assessment of itself, unless that comes a bit later, when a character who seems to be Robert's ex-girlfriend tells him he's "about the most intelligent dumb person I've ever met".

The New York Times

I figured it would take a seriously dumb person to do something offensive with Morgan sitting right there, but lo, here came the exit-only-lane zoomers, gunning it past the lineup and then cutting in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many have been peaceful, but Zanu-PF thugs, in an exercise known as Operation Chimumumu ("dumb person"), have been beating up and in a few cases killing suspected MDC supporters who disagree with a so-called Kariba draft favoured by Mr Mugabe.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Gallaudet was the youngest of eight children born to Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet who had helped found the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons (now called the American School for the Deaf), which was the first permanent American school for the deaf and Sophia Fowler Gallaudet, a woman who had attended the institution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Chris — a major contender, in an admittedly strong field, for the dumbest person in the film — has a plan.

The New Yorker

But Chris a major contender, in an admittedly strong field, for the dumbest person in the film has a plan.

The New Yorker

"Finally, we had a glass of wine in Times Square, and he said, 'You're the dumbest person I know.

The New Yorker

You can hire to be the smartest person in the room or you can hire to be the dumbest person in the room".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone's intelligence, consider the context and audience. "Dumb person" can be offensive. Use more sensitive and respectful language when possible.

Common error

Avoid using "dumb person" as a blanket statement about someone's overall intelligence. People may be knowledgeable in some areas but less so in others. Focus on specific behaviors or statements rather than labeling the person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dumb person" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an individual perceived as lacking intelligence or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is valid, but should be used with caution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dumb person" is a noun phrase used to describe someone perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's generally considered informal and potentially offensive. Its use is common in News & Media, Wiki and Science, but should be avoided in formal contexts in favor of more respectful alternatives like "unintelligent individual" or "foolish person". When writing, consider the context and audience to avoid causing offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintelligent individual

Replaces the informal term "dumb" with a more formal "unintelligent".

dense individual

Replaces "dumb" with "dense", suggesting a lack of understanding.

foolish person

Substitutes "dumb" with "foolish", implying a lack of good judgment.

unwise person

Focuses on the lack of wisdom rather than intelligence.

idiotic individual

Uses "idiotic" to convey a stronger sense of foolishness or stupidity.

brainless individual

Emphasizes the lack of thought or intelligence.

simpleton

Replaces the two-word phrase with a single, somewhat archaic term.

witless person

Highlights the absence of wit or cleverness.

nitwit

A more playful and less offensive synonym for a "dumb person".

naïve individual

Suggests a lack of experience or understanding of the world.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone a "dumb person"?

Calling someone a "dumb person" implies they lack intelligence or common sense. The term is generally considered offensive and should be used with caution or avoided altogether.

What are some alternatives to saying "dumb person"?

You can use alternatives like "unintelligent individual", "foolish person", or "naïve individual" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "dumb person" in formal writing?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use the term "dumb person" in formal writing. Opt for more professional and respectful language such as "unintelligent individual" or "lacking in knowledge".

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

While both terms are negative, "dumb person" suggests a general lack of intelligence, while "ignorant person" implies a lack of knowledge about a specific subject. An "ignorant person" can be intelligent but uninformed.