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Definitions

know-nothing

[noh-nuhth-ing] / ˈnoʊˌnʌθ ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
empty-headed
Synonyms
WEAK
brainless dizzy featherbrained frivolous giddy harebrained ignorant illiterate inane silly skittish stupid uneducated unschooled untaught vacant vacuous
Antonyms
WEAK
cognizant intelligent sensible slick smart
ADJECTIVE
uneducated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant illiterate unschooled
WEAK
benighted empty-headed ignoramus inerudite lowbrow uncultivated uncultured uninstructed unlearned unlettered unread unrefined untaught untutored
Antonyms
STRONGEST
educated learned literate
WEAK
intelligent lettered taught
NOUN
ignoramus
Synonyms
STRONG
blockhead dimwit dunce fool idiot imbecile moron
WEAK
numskull
Antonyms
STRONG
brain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Who hasn’t had the experience of hearing some know-nothing proudly display his ignorance — whether in a bar, on a crowded plane or on Joe Rogan’s podcast?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

The effort always includes promotional videos, such as one this summer featuring a know-it-all who is exposed as a know-nothing because he doesn’t know where tickets are sold.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2022

My mom, unlike Akeem, was not a know-nothing blowing her money and trying to fit in by pretending to be working class.

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2021

I have to admit that my attempt to get folks to confront their know-nothing relatives over Thanksgiving and report back on any success was a total bust.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2019

I looked at her with my know-nothing face, but inside I was trembling.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan