intellectually limited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectually limited" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who has a restricted capacity for intellectual understanding or reasoning. Example: "Despite his efforts, he often felt intellectually limited in discussions about complex topics." Alternative expressions include "cognitively constrained" and "mentally challenged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Children "on the spectrum" vary widely in their abilities and symptoms, from mute and intellectually limited at one extreme to socially awkward at the other.

The New York Times - Health

The woman knows that she is flawed — she is self-absorbed, she is unhappy, she is intellectually limited — yet she will have the capacity to love this man, and she will work to achieve a relationship with him.

The New Yorker

I was intellectually limited until I met her".

Huffington Post

General Sachet emerges as a fundamentally honest and upright, though occasionally ruthless and intellectually limited, soldier who turns to religion, like so many other Iraqis, as the regime putrefies.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Spitzer managed to graduate, and secured a position as an instructor in the psychiatry department (he has held some version of the job ever since), but he is a man of tremendous drive and ambition — also a devoted contrarian — and he found teaching intellectually limiting.

The New Yorker

Moreover, his critics and supporters acknowledge the transformative influence of Orientalism upon scholarship in the humanities the former say that is an intellectually limiting influence upon scholars, whilst the latter say that it is an intellectually liberating influence upon scholars.

Wikipedia

and some were limited intellectually, and most fell somewhere in between.

Columbia University

These learning disabilities may include, but are not limited to Intellectually Disabled, Developmentally Delayed, or other health impaired (IDEA, 2004).

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

This raises fundamental challenges, intellectually and operationally, as the response cannot be limited to ever-greater resources, but must also involve improved governance‹at the country and international level and across multiple sectors.

Stanford University

These examples clearly show that interest in alleged psychic phenomena has never been limited to an eccentric or let alone intellectually inferior minority in the psychological community.

History of the Human Sciences

First, it can help ensure that our guiding idea of what it means to treat patients as persons can be inclusive of people who are deemed to have limited competence for decision making, including the intellectually disabled and mentally ill.

American Journal of Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intellectually limited", consider the audience and context. Choose alternative phrases if a more sensitive or nuanced approach is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectually limited" as a blanket descriptor. Recognize that cognitive abilities are multifaceted, and individuals may have strengths in some areas while facing limitations in others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectually limited" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person) to indicate a restriction in their cognitive abilities. Ludwig identifies that is grammatical correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intellectually limited" is a grammatically correct descriptor indicating a restriction in cognitive abilities. According to Ludwig, while acceptable, its use requires careful consideration due to its potential for insensitivity. The analysis reveals that is a neutral term in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider alternative phrases to prevent overgeneralization and use alternatives if a more sensitive approach is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cognitively impaired

Implies a measurable deficit in cognitive functions, often used in medical contexts.

Mentally deficient

A more clinical term, often associated with specific diagnostic criteria and carries a stronger negative connotation.

Lacking intellectual capacity

Focuses on the absence of intellectual abilities, suggesting a general deficiency.

Of limited intelligence

Directly addresses the level of intelligence, implying a lower-than-average score.

Not intellectually gifted

Highlights the absence of exceptional intellectual talent, rather than a deficiency.

Slow learner

Indicates a slower pace of acquiring knowledge and skills, often used in educational settings.

Less intellectually developed

Suggests a stage of development that is behind the norm.

Unsophisticated intellect

Implies a lack of complexity and refinement in intellectual thought.

Simple-minded

Suggests a lack of complexity and depth in understanding.

Intellectually challenged

A more euphemistic term, often used to avoid direct negative connotations. The phrase minimizes the negative implications associated with intellectual limitations.

FAQs

What does "intellectually limited" mean?

The phrase "intellectually limited" describes someone who has restrictions in their capacity for understanding, reasoning, or learning compared to the average person. The phrase indicates restrictions in cognitive abilities or intellectual potential.

How can I use "intellectually limited" in a sentence?

You might say, "The study examined the challenges faced by individuals who are "intellectually limited" in their access to education" or "Despite being "intellectually limited", the individual showed remarkable resilience and determination".

Are there more sensitive alternatives to "intellectually limited"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "cognitively impaired", "intellectually challenged", or describe specific limitations rather than using a broad label. Always consider the individual's preferences and the purpose of your communication.

Is it appropriate to use "intellectually limited" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "intellectually limited" may be perceived as insensitive in some formal settings. Alternatives like "having limited intellectual capacity" or specifying the nature of the limitations (e.g., "limited working memory") might be more suitable.