What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
benightedness
Example
His benightedness on the topic was evident when he asked basic questions. [benightedness: noun]
Example
The community's benightedness about climate change hindered progress towards sustainable practices. [benightedness: noun]
backwardness
Example
The country's economic backwardness hindered its ability to compete globally. [backwardness: noun]
Example
The region's educational system suffered from backwardness, lacking resources and infrastructure. [backwardness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Backwardness is more commonly used than benightedness in everyday language. Backwardness is a term that can be applied to different aspects of life, such as education, technology, or social development. On the other hand, benightedness is less common and is often used in more specialized or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between benightedness and backwardness?
Both benightedness and backwardness have a formal tone. However, benightedness is more likely to be used in academic or intellectual discussions, while backwardness can be employed in both formal and informal contexts to describe societal or individual shortcomings.
