Why it's tricky:
* Education is a spectrum: Someone can be highly educated in one field but not in another.
* "Uneducated" has negative connotations: It implies a lack of knowledge and can be insensitive.
Possible alternatives:
* Uninformed: This emphasizes a lack of knowledge about a specific topic.
* Ignorant: This implies a lack of understanding or awareness. (Can be harsh)
* Unschooled: This simply means not having formal education, but can have positive connotations in some contexts (e.g., self-taught).
* Illiterate: This refers specifically to the inability to read and write.
* Naive: This suggests a lack of experience and worldliness, but doesn't necessarily imply a lack of intelligence.
* Uncultivated: This implies a lack of refinement or sophistication.
The best choice depends on the context:
* If you're discussing someone's knowledge about a specific topic, "uninformed" might be the best choice.
* If you're talking about someone's overall level of education, "unschooled" might be more appropriate.
Remember, it's important to choose your words carefully to avoid being insensitive.