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I am looking for words that describe 'low performance' teenagers. Thanks if you would add more, somewhat along that line.
State of mind/body:
Lethargic
Enervated
Jaded
Torpid
Sluggish
Phlegmatic
Otiose
Indolent
Soggy
Performance as manifestation :
Specious
Superficial
Spurious
Unauthentic
Ingenuous
Attitude as manifestation:
Peremptory
Perfunctory
Desultory
Cursory
Lackadaisical
Cavalier
Blasé
Offhand
Dull
Insouciant
Carefree
Nonchalant
Indifferent
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This is such an intriguing post that I can't let it scroll down unanswered.
I would not include either "carefree" or "nonchalant" in your list. Those are perfectly desirable traits, regardless of age. And did you mean to write "disingenuous" rather than "ingenuous"?
But I would add "unaspiring" to your list. Likewise "unmotivated". Probably also "lazy".
Curious ... are you preparing to write a rant against teenagers? I mean, you really could use this list for any age group. When I taught high school, we were told to be very careful about our choice of words during parent-teacher conferences. And this was before political correctness became the norm. When talking to a parent, I wouldn't use any of those words on your list for fear of disparaging their son/daughter. I would often tell the parent of a low-performing student that they "were not working at the level of their ability" (which was almost always the case). The task then became finding the reason why. Sports, after-school jobs, too much TV or computer time? The parents could usually provide some answers, and did not become defensive.
I taught upper level science, which required counselor approval to enroll in. So I rarely encountered truly "dumb" students.
Thanks for the tips and additions. ( I was wrong about ingenuous. ) I was also thinking adding disaffected, except it's a little more passionate and energetic than I have in mind for the theme- real real withdrawn and passive like. I would add dejected.
No, my purpose is only to see how some words seem close in meaning and how still stark and distinct, like colors, endlessly fascinating to me. Glad if you find the list some way entertaining .
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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