What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unintellectual
Example
He was seen as unintellectual because he never read books or engaged in intellectual discussions. [unintellectual: adjective]
Example
Watching TV all day is an unintellectual way to spend your time. [unintellectual: adjective]
unintelligent
Example
He was considered unintelligent because he struggled with basic math and reading comprehension. [unintelligent: adjective]
Example
It was unintelligent of him to invest all his money in a risky business venture without doing any research. [unintelligent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unintelligent is more commonly used than unintellectual in everyday language. Unintelligent is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while unintellectual is less common and more informal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unintellectual and unintelligent?
Unintelligent is more formal than unintellectual. While unintelligent can be used in both formal and informal contexts, unintellectual is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.