What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterintuitive
Example
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to step away from it for a while. [counterintuitive: adjective]
Example
The results of the experiment were counterintuitive and went against what we expected. [counterintuitive: adjective]
unintuitive
Example
The new software was unintuitive and took a while to figure out how to use. [unintuitive: adjective]
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were unintuitive and caused a lot of frustration. [unintuitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counterintuitive is more commonly used than unintuitive in academic and technical contexts, but both words are less common in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between counterintuitive and unintuitive?
Counterintuitive is generally considered more formal than unintuitive, but both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
