Learn how to use the comparative “dumber” and superlative “dumbest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “dumb”?

The comparative form of “dumb” is “dumber”.

Example

He is dumber than his sister.

Example

The decision to invest in that company was dumber than we thought.

What is the superlative form of “dumb”?

The superlative form of “dumb” is “dumbest”.

Example

Among all the students, he is the dumbest.

Example

That was the dumbest mistake I've ever made.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with dumb, dumber, and dumbest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more dumb' and 'most dumb' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, dumber and dumbest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Dumb does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: DumbDumber Superlative: DumbDumbest

Expressions with similar meanings to “dumber”

Used to describe someone who has a lower level of intelligence

Example

He is less intelligent than his classmates.

stupider

Similar to dumber, this emphasizes a lack of intelligence

Example

Her actions were stupider than we expected.

A slightly formal way of expressing a lack of intelligence

Example

It was more foolish to believe in such a conspiracy theory.

Expressions with similar meanings to “dumbest”

Similar to dumbest, this emphasizes the lowest level of intelligence

Example

He is the least intelligent person in the room.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of lack of intelligence

Example

That was the most foolish decision she could have made.

Using than with comparative “dumber”

When using the comparative form dumber to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He is dumber than his sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of intelligence of 'he' is lower than the level of intelligence of his sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“dumber” and “dumbest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Academic Performance

    He scored lower on the test and was considered dumber than his classmates.

    He scored lower on the test and was considered dumber than his classmates.

  • 2Decision Making

    The choice to invest in that company turned out to be dumber than expected.

    The choice to invest in that company turned out to be dumber than expected.

  • 3Actions

    Her behavior was dumber than we anticipated.

    Her behavior was dumber than we anticipated.

  • 4Mistakes

    That was the dumbest mistake I've ever made.

    That was the dumbest mistake I've ever made.

  • 5Comparing People

    Among all the students, he is the dumbest.

    Among all the students, he is the dumbest.

Related idioms and phrases

Dumb as a doornail

Extremely stupid or lacking intelligence.

Example

He couldn't answer a single question on the exam. He's dumb as a doornail.

Dumb down

To simplify or make something less complex or intellectual.

Example

The professor had to dumb down the lecture for the students who were struggling.

Dumb luck

Success or good fortune that happens by chance rather than skill or intelligence.

Example

He stumbled upon the solution by dumb luck.

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