imbeciles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imbeciles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who are perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "I can't believe they made such a foolish decision; only imbeciles would act that way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some sported ski jackets previously worn on European slopes; others wore Russian felt boots and sheepskin coats.What they had in common was not their incomes, but their unwillingness to be treated as imbeciles by their government.

The Economist

The president's "experts" are not known for their subtlety; his senior vice-president recently called the British "a bunch of imbeciles" and the Australians "cowherds".

The Economist

Those who objected to his words were "political imbeciles" and "forces of counter-revolution", said the Youth League.Quarrels are also swirling around the constitutional court.

The Economist

"I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion—I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country".Nixon's original insight remains as true now as it was in the late 1960s: lots of liberals do, indeed, look down on flyover Americans as stump-toothed imbeciles and, for some strange reason, lots of flyover Americans resent them for it.

The Economist

It was held to turn children into imbeciles, make men violent and corrupt political discourse.

The Economist

The unloved Mr Domenech called the players "imbeciles".

The Economist

There is no legal right to suicide nor do family members have a right to kill inconvenient imbeciles.

The Economist

Even now Russian doctors treat patients and their relatives like imbeciles.

The Economist

Workers aren't imbeciles.

The Economist

Flaubert has been accused of presenting them as imbeciles, but in fact he expresses his compassion for them: "They acquire a faculty deserving of pity, they recognize stupidity and can no longer tolerate it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those kind of people are the dregs of society, they are imbeciles Abdel Ben Alal "Everyone knows each other here, everyone helps each other out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imbeciles" sparingly, as it is considered offensive and can be replaced with less charged terms like "idiots" or "fools" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "imbeciles" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral language to maintain a respectful tone and avoid alienating your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imbeciles" is a plural noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a group of individuals deemed unintelligent or foolish. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used as a derogatory label.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imbeciles" functions as a plural noun expressing a negative judgment about intelligence or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but also notes its potential to offend. While frequently encountered in news and media, it's crucial to be mindful of the register and avoid using it in formal contexts where neutrality and respect are paramount. If you're aiming for less aggressive language, consider alternatives like "idiots" or "fools". Remember, effective communication lies not only in grammatical accuracy but also in selecting words that convey the intended meaning without causing unnecessary offense. The examples of usage show how different sources and authors adopted the word with different expressive needs, from a formal encyclopedia to informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idiots

A more common and slightly less offensive synonym for "imbeciles".

fools

A general term for someone lacking good judgment; less clinical than "imbeciles".

morons

Similar to "imbeciles", but can be considered outdated and offensive.

simpletons

Refers to someone naive or easily fooled; less harsh than "imbeciles".

nitwits

Implies foolishness or lack of intelligence, often in a lighthearted way.

dullards

Refers to someone slow to understand; more about lack of sharpness than outright stupidity.

blockheads

A somewhat old-fashioned term for a stupid person.

numskulls

A playful term for someone foolish or silly.

dolts

Refers to a clumsy or stupid person; somewhat less common.

cretins

A more dated term, originally referring to those with a specific medical condition affecting mental development; now generally used as an insult.

FAQs

What does "imbeciles" mean?

"Imbeciles" is a derogatory term used to describe people considered to be very foolish or unintelligent. It is often used as an insult.

What can I say instead of "imbeciles"?

You can use alternatives like "idiots", "fools", or "morons" depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use the word "imbeciles" in a professional setting?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use the word "imbeciles" in a professional setting. It is considered offensive and disrespectful. More neutral terms should be used instead.

What is the origin of the word "imbeciles"?

The word "imbeciles" historically referred to a specific level of intellectual disability, but is now primarily used as a derogatory term.