unintelligent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unintelligent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks intelligence or is not smart. Example: "His argument was so poorly constructed that it made him seem unintelligent in the eyes of his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As against what he sees as Ukip's "unintelligent" approach, Cash has tended to style himself as a "Eurorealist", believing – in theory, at least – that the EU could be so could drastically reformed that he and his Eurosceptic allies would be happy staying in.

The Guardian

I admit that riding a small motorcycle solo across the Himalayan deserts of Ladakh is an unintelligent pursuit for an octogenarian who has suffered two heart attacks.

The Guardian - Travel

Brussels has launched a ferocious counterattack against David Cameron over immigration, saying his talk of benefit tourism and a something-for-nothing culture among EU migrants is unintelligent and risks stoking "knee-jerk xenophobia".

The Guardian

This is not to suggest that Ben Carson is an unintelligent man.

The Guardian - Opinion

The snag was that, apart from being able to pass an intelligence test, we had very little in common, except perhaps the ability to laugh at ourselves for being unintelligent enough to think we might meet another member with similar ideas.It was good to see credit given to Victor Serebriakoff for providing the building bricks that have made Mensa a society that is recognised worldwide.

The Economist

Nor is it the chancellor's fault if the unintelligent application of the euro zone's crude rules have, for now, reduced any chance of winning round the sceptical (and very constant) two-thirds majority in Britain who oppose euro entry although Mr Balls bullishly claimed a referendum could still be won if the economic tests were met.

The Economist

He hopes these will keep inflationary expectations in check while he tightens fiscal policy.In this section The front-runner under pressure Crimes and misdemeanours Unintelligent Uneasy peace Coming out as Canadians Reprints Related items Argentina's economy: OverdosedApr 28th 2005But the unions could throw a spanner into this strategy.

The Economist

Enterprises are not unintelligent.

The Economist

Though proverbially considered unintelligent, they were perfectly adapted to the conditions of their native Mauritius and were simply unequipped to deal with the threat posed by the arrival of Portugese sailors in 1507.

Britannica

Like unintelligent parasites draining the lifeblood of their host, three thousand millions of human beings now live, most of them very poorly, on the surface of our planet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their ideas were, in his view, "utterly crude and unintelligent," but their character moved him: "The brotherhood of man is no mere phrase with them, but a fact of life, and the nobility of man shines upon us from their work-hardened bodies," he wrote in his so-called "Ökonomisch-philosophische Manuskripte aus dem Jahre 1844" (written in 1844; Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 [1959]).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unintelligent", consider the context and audience. While grammatically correct, it can be perceived as harsh. Opt for softer alternatives like "lacking intelligence" or "uninformed" when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "unintelligent" in highly formal or professional writing where a more nuanced term like "uninformed", "misguided", or "lacking expertise" would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unintelligent" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe them as lacking intelligence or being not intelligent. Ludwig examples show it used to describe behavior, people, ideas, and even animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Unintelligent" is an adjective used to describe a lack of intelligence, as verified by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it can be perceived as harsh. Alternatives such as "lacking intelligence" or "uninformed" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature, indicating a neutral register. Remember to use more nuanced language in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not intelligent

A direct synonym, simply negating intelligence.

lacking intelligence

Emphasizes the absence of intelligence.

stupid

A more direct and often harsher synonym.

foolish

Implies a lack of good sense or judgment.

unwise

Focuses on the lack of wisdom or prudence.

brainless

Informal and often derogatory, suggesting a complete lack of intelligence.

dense

Suggests difficulty in understanding.

simpleminded

Implies a lack of complexity in thought.

dim-witted

Informal and mildly derogatory, suggesting slow understanding.

obtuse

Formal and suggests a lack of quickness in perception or intellect.

FAQs

How can I use "unintelligent" in a sentence?

You can use "unintelligent" to describe someone or something lacking intelligence, as in "His behavior was deemed "unintelligent" and reckless."

What are some synonyms for "unintelligent"?

Alternatives include "stupid", "foolish", "lacking intelligence", and "unwise", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it always appropriate to use the word "unintelligent"?

While grammatically correct, "unintelligent" can be perceived as harsh. Consider the context and your audience; sometimes, a softer term like "uninformed" or "lacking understanding" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "unintelligent" and "ignorant"?

"Unintelligent" refers to a lack of inherent mental capacity, while "ignorant" suggests a lack of knowledge or awareness, which can be remedied through education. Someone can be "ignorant" about a subject without being "unintelligent".