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 “dumber”?

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

Example

He is dumber than his sister.

Example

The student felt dumber after studying for hours.

What is the superlative form of “dumber”?

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

Example

Among all the contestants, he was considered the dumbest.

Example

The movie was criticized for having the dumbest plot.

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

The less intelligent student struggled to understand the complex math problem.

Used to indicate someone who lacks wisdom or common sense

Example

His decision to quit his job without another lined up was more foolish than he realized.

Used to describe someone who has a lower level of knowledge or information

Example

The less knowledgeable person had trouble answering the trivia questions.

Expressions with similar meanings to “dumbest”

Similar to dumbest, this emphasizes the lowest level of intelligence

Example

Out of all the students, he was considered the least intelligent.

Used to describe the highest level of lack of wisdom or common sense

Example

Her decision to invest all her savings in a risky venture was most foolish.

Similar to dumbest, this emphasizes the lowest level of knowledge or information

Example

Out of all the participants, he was the least knowledgeable about the topic.

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.
  • 1Education

    The student felt dumber after studying for hours.

    The student felt dumber after studying for hours.

  • 2Decision Making

    His choice to quit his job without another lined up was dumber than he realized.

    His choice to quit his job without another lined up was dumber than he realized.

  • 3Competitions

    Among all the contestants, he was considered the dumbest.

    Among all the contestants, he was considered the dumbest.

  • 4Entertainment

    The movie was criticized for having the dumbest plot.

    The movie was criticized for having the dumbest plot.

  • 5Knowledge

    Out of all the participants, he was the least knowledgeable about the topic.

    Out of all the participants, he was the least knowledgeable about the topic.

Related idioms and phrases

As dumb as a doornail

Extremely stupid or lacking intelligence.

Example

He couldn't solve the simplest math problem. He's as dumb as a doornail.

Dumb luck

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

Example

He stumbled upon the winning lottery ticket by dumb luck.

Dumb as a rock

Describing someone who is extremely unintelligent.

Example

He couldn't understand even the most basic concepts. He's dumb as a rock.

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