unlearned

adjective

un·learned | \ ˌən-ˈlər-nəd for senses 1 & 2 ,

-ˈlərnd for sense 3

\

Definition of unlearned

1 : possessing inadequate learning or education especially : deficient in scholarly attainments

2 : characterized by or revealing ignorance

3 : not gained by study or training

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about unlearned

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for unlearned

ignorant, illiterate, unlettered, untutored, unlearned mean not having knowledge. ignorant may imply a general condition or it may apply to lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing. an ignorant fool ignorant of nuclear physics illiterate applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write. much of the population is still illiterate unlettered implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading. an allusion meaningless to the unlettered untutored may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization. strange monuments built by an untutored people unlearned suggests ignorance of advanced subjects. poetry not for academics but for the unlearned masses

Examples of unlearned in a Sentence

although the people of the farming community were largely an unlearned lot, they wanted an advanced education for their children

Recent Examples on the Web

The scion of a respected family of Shiite scholars, he was once derided as unlearned and brutish by fellow Shiite public figures. — Washington Post, "Surprise showing by maverick cleric could shake up Iraq’s relations with the U.S.," 15 May 2018 The scion of a respected family of Shiite scholars, he was once derided as unlearned and brutish by fellow Shiite public figures. — Washington Post, "Surprise showing by maverick cleric could shake up Iraq’s relations with the U.S.," 15 May 2018 How many sons of Italian or Jewish or Polish parents slumbered in slums untaught (and) unlearned, their potential lost forever to the nation and human race? — James Hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: RFK’s speech in apartheid South Africa remains relevant 50 years after his assassination," 5 June 2018 The scion of a respected family of Shiite scholars, he was once derided as unlearned and brutish by fellow Shiite public figures. — Washington Post, "Surprise showing by maverick cleric could shake up Iraq’s relations with the U.S.," 15 May 2018 The scion of a respected family of Shiite scholars, he was once derided as unlearned and brutish by fellow Shiite public figures. — Tamer El-ghobashy And Mustafa Salim, chicagotribune.com, "Maverick cleric's election upset could rattle U.S.-Iraq relations," 14 May 2018 Regardless of this unlearned lesson the GOP refuses to grasp, U.S. Atty. — George Skelton, latimes.com, "Sessions did the California Democratic Party a big favor with his visit to the state," 8 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unlearned.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about unlearned

Dictionary Entries near unlearned

Statistics for unlearned

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for unlearned

The first known use of unlearned was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for unlearned

unlearned

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of unlearned

—used to describe a type of behavior that is natural and does not have to be learned

: having or showing very little learning, education, or knowledge

See the full definition for unlearned in the English Language Learners Dictionary

unlearned

adjective

un·learned

Kids Definition of unlearned

1 \ˌən-ˈlər-nəd\ : not educated

2 \-ˈlərnd\ : not based on experience : instinctive Breathing is unlearned behavior.

Comments on unlearned

What made you want to look up unlearned? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

secrete

to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

Name these cookies!

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games