uncultured

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "uncultured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is lacking in sophistication or refinement, or who lacks knowledge of the arts and humanities. Example sentence: His brutish behavior and uncultured demeanor revealed that he was completely unfamiliar with the customs of polite society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today's ruling class, says Mr Sarkisyan, is as uncultured as were the Bolsheviks.Still, things are better than they were in the 1990s, when apartment-related murders were common.

The Economist

Uighurs complain that the Han Chinese tend to look down on them as uncultured ruffians.

The Economist

In one eye stands a land of exquisite cuisine and glorious heritage (even if it is one that goes unnoticed by uncultured ratings agencies).

The Economist

Yet even conservative West Germans combined love for things cowboy with disdain for an American way of life they saw as uncultured.

The Economist

Dealing with the young intellectuals was a new challenge for Sun Yat-sen, who hitherto had concentrated on mobilizing the uncultured secret-society members.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city of Guangzhou was also a centre of diffusion of xenophobia, because the scholars at the city's great academies were proclaiming the Confucian theory that uncultured barbarians should be excluded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though his common sense and his feeling for justice won his subjects' affection, Alessandro was rough and uncultured, a lover of sensual pleasures who enriched himself personally through taxes and duties and was determined to make his authority absolute beyond all question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Daumier was then not at all the uncultured, self-taught genius that most art historians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries have depicted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This helped to bring attention and respect to an Afro-Caribbean drum dance tradition that had previously been disparaged as crude and uncultured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

CABE is due to be axed next March, the government preferring to leave the new architecture of our towns and cities largely in the hands of uncultured developers – there are sterling exceptions, of course.

Independent

He says it plays fast and loose with facts and events in order to humiliate his family, seeking to portray them as vulgar, ignorant, out of touch and uncultured.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncultured", consider the specific aspect of culture that is lacking. Be precise in your description to avoid ambiguity. Is it a lack of artistic knowledge, social graces, or general sophistication?

Common error

Avoid using "uncultured" as a blanket term to describe someone you dislike. It can be perceived as elitist and condescending. Instead, focus on specific behaviors or attitudes.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "uncultured" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating a lack of cultural refinement or sophistication. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies individuals, groups, or even concepts, highlighting their perceived lack of culture. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

26%

The New Yorker

18%

Less common in

The New York Times - Food

1%

The New York Times - Books

1%

The Guardian - Film

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "uncultured" is used to describe something or someone lacking cultural refinement or sophistication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "uncultured" appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias, its use should be approached with caution, as it can be perceived as judgmental or condescending. Alternative phrases like ""unrefined"" or "lacking in refinement" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Always consider the specific aspect of culture being discussed to ensure accurate and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrefined

Focuses on the lack of polish and sophistication.

unsophisticated

Emphasizes the lack of worldly knowledge and experience.

boorish

Highlights rudeness and lack of social graces.

uncivilized

Stresses the lack of societal norms and refinement.

crude

Indicates a lack of refinement and delicacy.

vulgar

Highlights the lack of good taste and refinement.

Philistine

Describes someone indifferent or hostile to art and culture.

ignorant of the arts

Specifically points out a lack of knowledge in art and culture.

lacking in refinement

Emphasizes the absence of polish and elegance.

devoid of culture

Highlights a complete absence of cultural knowledge or appreciation.

FAQs

How can I use "uncultured" in a sentence?

You can use "uncultured" to describe someone or something lacking sophistication, refinement, or knowledge of the arts. For example, "His behavior at the gala was "uncultured" and embarrassing."

What are some synonyms for "uncultured"?

Alternatives to "uncultured" include "unrefined", "unsophisticated", or "boorish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone "uncultured"?

While grammatically correct, calling someone "uncultured" can be seen as offensive or elitist. Consider using a more specific and less judgmental term, such as "lacking in refinement" or "ignorant of the arts".

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

"Uncultured" specifically implies a lack of knowledge or appreciation of arts and refined customs, whereas "ignorant" refers to a general lack of knowledge or awareness about any subject.