benighted

[ bih-nahy-tid ]

adjective

1. intellectually or morally ignorant; unenlightened:

   benighted ages of barbarism and superstition.

   Synonyms: uncultivated, crude, primitive, backward

2. overtaken by darkness or night.

benighted

/ bɪˈnaɪtɪd /

adjective

1. lacking cultural, moral, or intellectual enlightenment; ignorant
2. archaic.
   overtaken by night

Derived Forms

• beˈnightedness, noun
• beˈnightedly, adverb

Other Words From

• be·nighted·ly adverb
• be·nighted·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of benighted¹

First recorded in 1565–75; be- + night + -ed ²

Example Sentences

I hope that she didn’t allow herself to be too discouraged by the cynicism and hypocrisy of the political leadership in some of our most benighted states, and that she never forgot the extraordinarily positive impact she had on all the communities, professional and personal, of which she was a member.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, gay and lesbian people acquired a voice in the highest echelons of political power; gay-bashing no longer works for a political candidate as it has in the past, except perhaps in the most benighted corners of American society.

From Los Angeles Times

George Santos’ brief and benighted stint in Congress may come to an end this week.

From Slate

Under the guise of morality, benighted political interests are being advanced.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, it was startling to encounter “Spring Awakening” at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theater and think that our society has moved closer to the benighted social world of a show set in late 19th century provincial Germany.

From Los Angeles Times