dumb

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /dʌm/

• Audio (CA)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive dumb

Comparative dumber

Superlative dumbest

1. (offensive when describing a person) Not able to speak. If someone is dumb they can not say anything.
   • Synonym: mute

   They went to a school for the deaf and dumb.

   Dogs are just dumb animals.

2. (informal) Another word for stupid. If you are dumb you are not intelligent.
   • Synonyms: stupid and idiotic
   • Antonyms: intelligent, smart, clever and wise

   That is a really dumb idea.

   How could I be so dumb? I know better than that!

   I'm not dumb enough to believe that.

   It is not nice to call someone dumb.

3. Temporarily unable or unwilling to speak.

Usage note

Using dumb for someone who cannot speak is offensive. It is seen as an insult to people who cannot speak. That was the first meaning, but now dumb usually means stupid. "Deaf and dumb" is also offensive, and it upsets people who are deaf. The word speech-impaired is preferred.

Related words and phrases

• dummy
• dumbwaiter
• deaf and dumb
• dumbass
• dumb cane