witless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "witless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is lacking in intelligence or common sense. Example: "His witless remarks during the meeting left everyone in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the last month alone, we've discussed whether a comedian called Dapper Laughs should have had his ITV2 show cancelled once everyone realised his career was based entirely on witless sexism.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Interview took a reported $15m £9.8mm) in online sales in its first week, after alleged North Korean attempts to get it pulled from cinemas transformed it from a witless farce into an expression of free speech.

The Guardian - Film

The diet of gruesome "reality TV" (there is no such thing) and witless "lifestyle" shows is corrupting – it is a betrayal of the British.

The Guardian - Opinion

And as for the baffling, witless, revisionist American civil war drama Point of Honor?

The Guardian

That was his best toy until, in 2006, he tested a nuclear device, using it to scare the Americans witless and to pressure the world into sending in food.Even as it did so, outsiders mocked him.

The Economist

But it didn't and doesn't go blowing us up just to scare us witless for reasons that completely elude us.

The Economist

In my first month in the New York office, I lost many a chargeable hour bored witless by other associates boasting of so many nights lost, weekends worked and holiday allowance left unused.Don't get me wrong, I've ticked all the above boxes, but being snowed under will never solicit from me that most passive/aggressive of responses which the declarant so obviously desires: pity and admiration.

The Economist

Mr Cameron's early popularity was seen by some as confirmation that Britain had become classless: Labour failed to impress voters with witless mockery of top-hatted blue-bloods.

The Economist

Isolationism of each variety can be found in both political parties, but isolationism is witless.

The Economist

A Chinese diplomat in Pyongyang once begged your correspondent to linger for tea, explaining that, bored witless, he had to talk to someone who would not keep praising the Kims for the sunshine.Everyone is spied on.

The Economist

THE fragile government of Somalia is in deep trouble and, according to one of its officials, "scared witless".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "witless" to describe actions, arguments, or individuals that demonstrate a lack of intelligence or understanding. It often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone than simpler synonyms like "stupid".

Common error

While "witless" is a perfectly valid word, it can sound out of place in very casual conversation. Consider more common synonyms like "silly" or "dumb" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "witless" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something lacking intelligence, understanding, or good judgment. As supported by Ludwig, it's a valid term in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "witless" effectively describes a lack of intelligence or understanding, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across contexts like news media make it a versatile choice. While synonyms such as "stupid" or "foolish" exist, "witless" carries a slightly more formal tone. To use the word effectively, ensure it fits the overall tone and context of your writing and avoid overuse in very casual conversations. Common errors are easily avoided by considering the audience. With an expert rating of 4.6, it is a reliable word to express disapproval towards a lack of intellect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stupid

A common synonym, directly indicating a lack of intelligence.

unintelligent

A more direct synonym, simply stating the absence of intelligence.

brainless

Implies a severe lack of intelligence, often used in a derogatory way.

half-witted

Implies a partial lack of intelligence.

lacking intelligence

Focuses on the absence of intellect rather than a character trait.

slow-witted

Indicates a slowness in understanding or learning.

foolish

Suggests a lack of good judgment and common sense.

empty-headed

Suggests a lack of serious thought or intelligence.

simpleminded

Suggests a naive or unsophisticated lack of intelligence.

dense

Informal term indicating slow understanding.

FAQs

How to use "witless" in a sentence?

You can use "witless" to describe someone or something lacking intelligence or understanding, like in the sentence: "The "witless remark" caused an awkward silence".

What can I say instead of "witless"?

Alternatives to "witless" include "stupid", "foolish", "unintelligent", or "brainless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "witless" a formal word?

While "witless" is appropriate in many contexts, it leans towards a slightly more formal or literary register than everyday synonyms like "silly" or "dumb".

What's the difference between "witless" and "unintelligent"?

"Witless" often implies a lack of good sense or judgment in addition to a lack of intelligence, whereas "unintelligent" more directly refers to a general lack of intellectual capacity.