slow-witted

[ sloh-wit-id ]

adjective

1. mentally slow or dull; slow in comprehension and thinking.

slow-witted

adjective

1. slow in comprehension; unintelligent

Other Words From

• slow-witted·ly adverb
• slow-witted·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slow-witted¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

Pat O’Connor, a publisher who worked with Jones, told the newspaper that Jones had a “low tolerance” for slow-witted and pretentious people.

From Seattle Times

Atzerodt, the slow-witted German, did not know it, but he had just sealed his fate.

From Literature

For the past seventeen days, everyone on the team—except for slow-witted Heinck—had suffered from seasickness.

From Literature

“Haven’t I just been and finished telling you? Are you slow-witted? I’m so sorry for you. It’s terrible to be dull and stupid. What’s your name?” she went on.

From Literature

As the Cowboy, one of Harold’s birthday presents, Charlie Carver imbues the slow-witted hustler with an affectionate sweetness that only throws into relief Michael’s gratuitous cruelty.

From Los Angeles Times