ungifted

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Lacking a natural talent or ability for something in particular.

   Grammar: Often used with in or at: ungifted at mathematics.

   Patterns

   • ungifted at something
   • ungifted in something

   He was musically ungifted but loved to sing in the shower.

   She called herself ungifted at drawing, yet her sketches improved every week.

   The coach said no one was ungifted, only untrained.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounspecialist

   In school settings, not identified as belonging to a program for students with exceptional ability.

   Grammar: Often seen in education writing and sometimes considered unkind.

   Patterns

   • ungifted students

   Some parents worry that ungifted children feel left out.

   The study compared gifted and ungifted students in the same classroom.

   Teachers were encouraged to challenge ungifted pupils as well.

Word forms

Common combinations

ungifted at sports

He was ungifted at sports but a brilliant chess player.

ungifted in languages

I am ungifted in languages and need lots of practice.

ungifted students

The program also serves ungifted students.

ungifted musician

The ungifted musician practiced for hours each day.

feel ungifted

Many learners feel ungifted until they find the right method.

Synonyms and how they differ

untalented

Untalented is more common and a bit harsher, while ungifted suggests missing a special natural ability rather than being poor.

inept

Inept means clumsy or unskilled in a way that causes failure, which is stronger than ungifted.

ordinary

Ordinary is neutral and says someone is average, whereas ungifted focuses on lacking a special talent.

Opposites

Word family

gift noun

A natural talent.

gifted adjective

Having great natural ability.

giftedness noun

The state of having exceptional ability.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ungifted”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words