Dumb - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT dumb /dəm/ /dəm/ IPA guide

Other forms: dumber; dumbest

Today, most of the time someone or something is described as dumb when it shows a lack of thought, like your dumb idea of wearing flip-flops in a snowstorm.

Dumb is the Old English word that means "mute, speechless," and itself came from an even older word dheubh meaning "confusion, stupefaction, dizziness." Today, dumb still means "unable to speak," but it doesn't have anything to do with intelligence. Its other meaning, however, does. If you make a dumb mistake, it's something you could have avoided if you thought it through first.

Definitions of dumb

adjective slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity “dumb officials make some really dumb decisions” synonyms: dense, dim, dull, obtuse, slow stupid lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
adjective lacking the power of human speech “dumb animals” synonyms: inarticulate, unarticulate without or deprived of the use of speech or words
adjective temporarily incapable of speaking “struck dumb” synonyms: speechless inarticulate, unarticulate without or deprived of the use of speech or words
adjective unable to speak because of hereditary deafness synonyms: mute, silent inarticulate, unarticulate without or deprived of the use of speech or words

Pronunciation US /dəm/ UK /dəm/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘dumb'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing dumb

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