15 Signs You Might Have a Low IQ

Intelligence Quotient measures how a person’s brainpower compares to others. A low IQ score usually means below-average thinking skills. However, IQ is only one way to measure intelligence and doesn’t show everything about a person’s abilities or value. While you can find out your IQ by taking tests, there are also small signs that indicate your IQ level. Here are 15 signs you might have a low IQ.

Difficulty Thinking Outside the Box

People with low IQs often struggle with abstract thinking. They might find it difficult to understand metaphors, like “time is a thief,” where time isn’t literally stealing anything. They could also struggle with imagining different future outcomes or considering possibilities that aren’t real. This kind of thinking is very important for solving problems and planning ahead.

(Based on report by Human Rights Watch)

Trouble Solving Problems

Navigating problem-solving can be trickier for those with lower IQs. They might wrestle with finding solutions to everyday challenges or thinking outside the box when faced with something new. It can be tough for them to handle unexpected twists or see alternative approaches to tasks. Sticking to what’s familiar can feel safer, making it harder to innovate or adapt on the fly.

Limited Language Skills

People with low IQs often have limited language skills, including vocabulary and grammar. They might struggle a lot to express their thoughts clearly, making communication tough. Understanding complex language used by others can also be hard for them, leading to misunderstandings or difficulty following detailed instructions and conversations. They usually use simpler words and phrases, making it hard for them to join in on more complex discussions.

(Based on report by Science Direct)

Struggles in School

People with low IQs often find academics tough. They might have trouble understanding lessons, which can lead to lower grades on tests and assignments. Keeping up with their classmates can be a big struggle, requiring more time and support to learn new things. It can affect their confidence in school and how they experience education overall.

(Based on report by Science Direct)

Social Interaction Challenges

For those with lower IQs, social interactions can be tough. They might miss important social cues, like facial expressions or tones of voice, which can lead to misunderstandings in conversations. Joining in social activities, such as group events or teamwork, can also be very challenging as they may struggle to keep up or participate fully. 

(Based on report by National Institute of Health)

Everyday Task Struggles

Everyday tasks such as managing money, cooking meals, or figuring out transportation can be particularly challenging for people with low IQs. These activities demand strong planning, organization, and problem-solving abilities—which may not be their forte. As a result, handling daily life can feel more complicated for them, often requiring additional effort to manage effectively.

Lack of Creativity

For those with lower IQs, the allure of exploring new ideas or diving into creative activities isn’t always strong. They often find solace in routines and may wrestle with thinking outside the box or sparking innovation. This comfort with the familiar can pose challenges when it comes to fully embracing new adventures or unleashing their creativity in diverse ways.

(Based in report by Medium)

Trouble Learning from Mistakes

Understanding the consequences of actions can be like navigating a tricky maze for some people with low IQ. They may find themselves making the same mistakes repeatedly or having difficulty learning from past experiences. This can impact their capability to make informed decisions. As a result, they might face ongoing challenges in various aspects of life—from personal to professional relationships.

Lack of Self-Awareness

Many people with lower IQs often struggle with understanding themselves well. They might find it hard to know their own strengths and weaknesses, which can make setting goals or making decisions tricky. Plus, they may not always realize how their actions affect other people, making social situations more challenging. This lack of self-awareness can affect how they grow personally and how they relate to others in their daily lives.

Emotional Sensitivity

People with low IQ often show signs like impulsivity and struggling to control their emotions. This can lead them to act very quickly without thinking about what might happen next. They might also find it hard to stay calm or react appropriately in different situations. These challenges can affect how they connect with others and handle daily life—making it tougher to navigate relationships and everyday tasks with confidence and foresight.

(Based on report by ResearchGate)

Difficulty Accepting Criticism

Difficulty accepting criticism, whether it is constructive or not, can sometimes be interpreted as a sign of low IQ. This is because intelligence is often associated with the ability to think critically, consider different perspectives, and adapt to new information. People with lower IQ levels may struggle to process and understand feedback, leading to defensiveness or an inability to make necessary adjustments.

(Based on report by Healthline)

Difficulty Expressing Ideas

Difficulty accepting criticism, whether it is constructive or not, can sometimes be interpreted as a sign of low IQ. This is because intelligence is often associated with the ability to think critically, consider different perspectives, and adapt to new information. People with lower IQ levels may struggle to process and understand feedback, leading to defensiveness or an inability to make necessary adjustments.

(Based on report by Healthline)

Pessimism and Loss of Motivation

Pessimism and a loss of motivation following setbacks can sometimes be perceived as a sign of low IQ, as intelligence is often linked to adaptability, resilience, and the ability to learn from mistakes or obstacles. People with higher IQ levels may be more likely to see setbacks as opportunities for growth, to remain optimistic in the face of challenges, and to persist in the pursuit of their goals.

(Based on report by Healthline)

Trouble Understanding What Causes Certain Feelings

Trouble understanding what causes certain feelings can sometimes also be seen as a sign of low IQ. Intelligence is often associated with the ability to reflect upon and understand one’s emotions and recognize the underlying causes or triggers behind different feelings. Those with higher IQ levels tend to display a greater emotional intelligence capacity, including self-awareness and empathy.

(Based on report by Healthline)

Saying the Wrong Things at the Wrong Time

A habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can sometimes be perceived as a sign of low IQ. Individuals with lower IQ levels may struggle with impulsivity or difficulty in filtering their thoughts before speaking, leading to instances where they say things that are inappropriate or insensitive for the given situation.

(Based on report by Healthline)