# dumber

/ˈdəmɝ/ (US) · /dˈʌmɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dumber
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

less intelligent or more foolish than someone or something else. It is the comparative form of 'dumb'.

For teachers: the comparative form of 'dumb', indicating a lower level of intelligence or a greater degree of foolishness. Often used informally to describe poor decision-making.

## Examples

- That was a dumber mistake than the last one.
- He felt dumber after trying to explain the simple instructions to a group that clearly already understood them.
- The sequel was criticized for being significantly dumber than the original film, relying on cheap physical gags rather than the clever wordplay that made the first one a success.

## Pitfalls

- Not "more dumber" but "dumber" — Dumber is already a comparative form; adding 'more' is a double comparative error.

## Usage notes

- Comparative form of the adjective 'dumb'; typically follows a linking verb or precedes a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.