What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undereducated
Example
The job requires a college degree, but he is undereducated and only has a high school diploma. [undereducated: adjective]
Example
She struggled with the math problems because she was undereducated in that subject. [undereducated: past participle]
uneducated
Example
He never went to school and is completely uneducated. [uneducated: adjective]
Example
She couldn't read the instructions because she was uneducated. [uneducated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uneducated is more commonly used than undereducated in everyday language. Uneducated is a more straightforward term and is easier to understand for ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undereducated and uneducated?
Undereducated is more formal than uneducated. It is often used in academic or professional settings to describe a person's educational background or qualifications.