Uneducated

/ʌnˈɛdʒʊˌkeɪtɪd/

adjectivemediumCommonAcademic

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Lacking formal education; not having received schooling.

/ʌnˈɛdʒʊˌkeɪtɪd/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Academic

Lacking formal schooling or training.

The survey found a strong correlation between being uneducated and living in poverty.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone who didn't go to school or learn a lot of things from books. They might not know how to read or write well.

👶 For kids: Not having gone to school to learn.

More Examples

2

She was an uneducated woman who still possessed great wisdom.

3

He had a lot of street smarts, though he was technically uneducated.

How It's Used

General

"Many people in rural areas may be uneducated due to lack of access to schools."

Sociology

"Sociologists study the societal effects of uneducated populations."

2

Lacking knowledge or awareness of a particular subject or area.

/ʌnˈɛdʒʊˌkeɪtɪd/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Academic

Lacking knowledge or awareness of a particular subject.

She was uneducated about the current political climate.

💡 Simply: Someone who doesn't know much about a specific topic. For example, someone uneducated about history might not know who the first president of the United States was.

👶 For kids: Not knowing much about something.

More Examples

2

His uneducated opinions on art were easily dismissed by critics.

3

Many people remain uneducated about the harmful effects of pollution.

How It's Used

Politics

"His comments revealed he was uneducated about the complexities of international trade."

Science

"Being uneducated about climate change can lead to harmful actions."

Tip:Think of someone who isn't informed on a specific topic.

From 'un-' (not) + 'educated' (having received formal instruction). The term first appeared in the late 16th century.

Used to describe individuals lacking formal schooling or knowledge since the 16th century.

Memory tip

Think of someone who never went to school.

uneducatedun-educated

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written