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dumb

adjective C1 Formal

Meaning

The term "dumb" refers to a lack of intelligence or the inability to comprehend or articulate thoughts effectively; it can also denote a state of being mute or unable to speak, although its usage has evolved to encompass derogatory implications regarding
💡 While "dumb" historically referred to mute individuals, its modern usage often carries negative connotations about intelligence and should be used with caution to avoid offense; alternatives like "uninformed" or "illogical" may be more suitable in formal contexts.

Example Sentences

It is dumb to ignore the evidence presented in the report .

Word in Context

During the staff seminar , Marta prepared a concise presentation about the new workflow and felt reasonably confident . Halfway through , she hesitated when a colleague asked for a specific statistic she had overlooked , and for a moment she felt dumb . Rather than ignore the question , she acknowledged the gap in her notes and promised to follow up with accurate figures by email . Her calm response reassured the team , and one of the senior members offered a reference that clarified the point . After the meeting she took a few minutes to compose a clear summary , which turned the small lapse into a useful update for everyone . By admitting the mistake and acting promptly , she maintained credibility and learned to double - check key numbers before future presentations .

Common Phrases

dumb down dumbfounding evidence dumbfounded response

Synonyms

Never forget "dumb"

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