What is a term for someone who is bad at communicating with other people?

Question

Is there a word for someone who is incapable of getting their point across clearly or understanding other people.

I can only think of longer phrases.

e.g.

Don't worry about Geoff's manner. He's not a people-person.

But I'm sure there's a more succinct term.

Oh, and I'd like to preempt whoever was about to say "Computer Programmer" or suchlike. :-) — Urbycoz, Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 12:07

Newbie · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-19 17:16:25Z

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Does 'inarticulate' work in your context?

answered Dec 19, 2013 at 17:16

Newbie

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You'll get flagged for answering a question with a question ('Inarticulate' might be a word you find appropriate) (but note that RegDwight had already mentioned 'not articulate').
– Edwin Ashworth
Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 17:48

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RegDwigнt · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-19 12:17:17Z

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Not well-spoken brings the point across without being too offensive. You can euphemize even further and use not too eloquent. Conversely, on the other side of the spectrum, there's not articulate.

If you need a noun, that of course would be not an orator.

answered Dec 19, 2013 at 12:10

RegDwigнt

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Bakabaka · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-19 12:15:39Z

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You could describe the person as being introverted or an introvert in addition to them being shy or socially timid.

answered Dec 19, 2013 at 12:15

Bakabaka

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Introverts, shy and socially timid people are not necessarily bad communicators. They just don't like to do it.
– Urbycoz
Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 12:19

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3 Answers 3