mongoloid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTaboo/Obsolete/Technical (historical)
Quick answer
What does “mongoloid” mean?
A historical, now offensive and obsolete term for a person with Down syndrome.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical, now offensive and obsolete term for a person with Down syndrome.
In anthropology (obsolete), a term for a major racial grouping, especially peoples of East Asia. In geology (rare), relating to rocks of the Mongolian region. All uses are dated and highly problematic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The term is equally offensive and obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Extremely offensive, dehumanizing, rooted in racist pseudoscience.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use, found only in historical texts or as an intentional slur.
Grammar
How to Use “mongoloid” in a Sentence
Used attributively as an adjective (the ~ race)Used as a noun (a ~)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mongoloid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The book detailed the now-discredited 'mongoloid' racial classification. (historical citation)
American English
- The term 'mongoloid' is considered a harmful relic of pseudoscience. (discussing the term)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical analysis of discredited theories or discussions of ableist/racist language. Not used in modern genetics, anthropology, or medicine.
Everyday
Taboo. Its use would be considered a grave insult.
Technical
Obsolete in all technical fields. Replaced by precise, non-pejorative terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mongoloid”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mongoloid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mongoloid”
- Using it as a synonym for 'East Asian' (offensive).
- Using it as a medical term (obsolete and offensive).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It has been completely obsolete in medicine for decades. The correct term is 'Down syndrome' or 'trisomy 21.'
No. It is an offensive racial classification. Use 'Mongolian' for things from Mongolia, or 'East Asian' for the broader regional phenotype.
It reflects the historical context of the time it was written. When discussing such texts, it's important to note the term is now recognized as pejorative and scientifically invalid.
Use phrases like 'the historical racial classification formerly known as Mongoloid,' 'the discredited Mongoloid category,' or 'East Asian peoples (historically classified as...).' Always frame it critically.
A historical, now offensive and obsolete term for a person with Down syndrome.
Mongoloid is usually taboo/obsolete/technical (historical) in register.
Mongoloid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒŋɡəlɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːŋɡəlɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DO NOT USE THIS WORD. Remember it as a relic of a discriminatory past, like other obsolete and offensive terms.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Term is based on a discredited and offensive comparison)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'mongoloid' is not used today?