Definition

Not showing or having the ability to think or understand things clearly.

Example

The test results showed that he was unintelligent in math.

Conversation

Did you hear what he said during the meeting?

Yeah, it was pretty unintelligent for someone in his position.

I can't believe he actually thought that would work.

Right? Sometimes I wonder how he got the job in the first place.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unintelligent → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "intelligent" (from Latin "intelligentem", meaning understanding or discerning). The word "unintelligent" means not possessing understanding or discernment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'understanding' ('intelligent') — that's why unintelligent means lacking understanding.

Visually Confused Words