dumb

dumb · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (Informal) Stupid or unintelligent.

  2. 2.

    (Dated or offensive) Unable to speak; mute.

  3. 3.

    Temporarily unable or unwilling to speak.

  4. 4.

    (Of a device) Lacking the ability to process data or operate independently.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    dumb luck — Good fortune that happens by chance
  • •
    play dumb — To pretend to be ignorant
  • •
    dumb down — To simplify something excessively
  • •
    struck dumb — Unable to speak due to shock

Related words

Antonyms: clever, intelligent, smart
See also: mute, silent, stupid
Synonyms: foolish, mute, silent, stupid

Etymology

From Old English dumb ("silent, mute"), of Germanic origin. The meaning "stupid" developed in American English in the 19th century.