More neutral options:
* Uninformed: "She was uninformed about the new policy." (Emphasizes lack of knowledge)
* Unaware: "He was unaware of the danger." (Focuses on lack of perception)
* Unskilled: "He is unskilled in diplomacy." (Specific to a particular area)
* Naive: "She was naive about the complexities of the situation." (Suggests innocence or lack of experience)
Stronger negative options:
* Uneducated: "His uneducated opinions were harmful." (Emphasizes lack of formal learning)
* Oblivious: "He was oblivious to the suffering around him." (Suggests a willful disregard)
* Unenlightened: "Her unenlightened views were outdated." (Suggests a lack of understanding or insight)
* Ignorant (but rephrased): "He lacks knowledge about the subject." (More direct but avoids the negative connotation)
More nuanced options:
* Misinformed: "He was misinformed about the facts of the case." (Highlights false information)
* Inattentive: "She was inattentive during the lecture and missed key points." (Focuses on lack of focus)
* Unsophisticated: "His unsophisticated understanding of the situation was inadequate." (Suggests a lack of nuance or complexity)
When using any of these alternatives, it's essential to consider the tone and intention you want to convey. Some words are more harsh or judgmental than others.
Ultimately, the best word is the one that most accurately reflects the specific situation and your desired message.