noun Uncommon

IQ

eye-KYOO

IQ (noun) means Short for intelligence quotient, a score from a standardized test meant to measure reasoning ability relative to the average. Example: “A score of 100 on an IQ test is considered average.”

noun

Short for intelligence quotient, a score from a standardized test meant to measure reasoning ability relative to the average.

"A score of 100 on an IQ test is considered average."

"The film exaggerated the professor's IQ for comic effect."

How to use IQ

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA number from a test that's supposed to measure how smart someone is.

Common mistake

IQ tests measure specific reasoning skills, not overall intelligence, creativity, or emotional intelligence — treat the number with some skepticism.

Common pairings

high IQ IQ test IQ score

Word forms

more IQ comparative, most IQ superlative

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A score of 100 on an _____ test is considered average.

Synonyms

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intelligence quotient intelligence score

Frequently asked questions

What does “IQ” mean?

The word “IQ” means short for intelligence quotient, a score from a standardized test meant to measure reasoning ability relative to the average. In plain terms, a number from a test that's supposed to measure how smart someone is.

How do you pronounce “IQ”?

“IQ” is pronounced eye-KYOO (/ˌaɪ ˈkjuː/ in IPA).

How do you use “IQ” in a sentence?

Here is “IQ” used in a sentence: “A score of 100 on an IQ test is considered average.”

What part of speech is “IQ”?

“IQ” is a noun.

Is “IQ” a common word?

“IQ” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between "IQ" and "EQ"?

IQ measures reasoning and problem-solving ability through a standardized intelligence test, while EQ, or emotional quotient, measures a person's ability to understand and manage emotions, both their own and others'. The two describe different kinds of intelligence and are assessed with different tools.

What is considered an average IQ score?

IQ tests are designed so that a score of 100 represents the statistical average, with most people scoring somewhere between 85 and 115. Scores are calculated relative to how others in a comparable population perform on the same test.

Can "IQ" be used informally to describe something other than intelligence?

Yes, IQ is often used informally and loosely to describe someone's aptitude in a specific area, as in "emotional IQ" or "street IQ," extending the core idea of a measurable score beyond its strict test-based meaning.