unenlightening

adjective

un·​en·​light·​en·​ing ˌən-in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce unenlightening (audio)
-tᵊn-iŋ,
-en-
: failing to provide knowledge, understanding, or insight : not enlightening
an unenlightening explanation/answer

Examples of unenlightening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Democrats and Republicans snarled at one another, and at the witnesses, including John Dean, the Watergate figure, in a predictably sour and unenlightening spectacle. Jeffrey Toobin, The New Yorker, 14 June 2019 On one level, the explanation for brain avalanches is fairly simple and very unenlightening. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unenlightening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unenlightening was in 1768

Dictionary Entries Near unenlightening

Cite this Entry

“Unenlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unenlightening. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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