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unlearned

adjective
un·​learned | \ ˌən-ˈlÉ™r-nÉ™d for senses 1 & 2 How to pronounce unlearned (audio) , -ˈlÉ™rnd for sense 3 How to pronounce unlearned (audio) \

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

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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 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 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

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.

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First Known Use of unlearned

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for unlearned

unlearned

adjective
How to pronounce unlearned (audio) How to pronounce unlearned (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of unlearned

—used to describe a type of behavior that is natural and does not have to be learned
formal : 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-​ˈlÉ™r-​nÉ™d\ : not educated
2 \ -​ˈlÉ™rnd\ : not based on experience : instinctive Breathing is unlearned behavior.

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