Dictionary
foolish
adjective fool·ish \ˈfü-lish\
: having or showing a lack of good sense or judgment
Full Definition of FOOLISH
1
: lacking in sense, judgment, or discretion
2
a : absurd, ridiculous b : marked by a loss of composure : nonplussed
See foolish defined for English-language learners
See foolish defined for kids
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First Known Use of FOOLISH
13th century
Related to FOOLISH
- Synonyms
- absurd, asinine, balmy, brainless, bubbleheaded, cockeyed, crackpot, crazy, cuckoo, daffy, daft, dippy, dotty, fatuous, featherheaded, fool, half-baked, harebrained, half-witted, inept, insane, jerky, kooky (also kookie), loony (also looney), lunatic, lunkheaded, mad, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, sappy, screwball, senseless, silly, simpleminded, stupid, tomfool, unwise, wacky (also whacky), weak-minded, witless, zany, out to lunch
Synonym Discussion of FOOLISH
simple, foolish, silly, fatuous, asinine mean actually or apparently deficient in intelligence. simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort <considered people simple who had trouble with computers>. foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense <foolish stunts>. silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior <the silly antics of revelers>. fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality <fatuous conspiracy theories>. asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception <an asinine plot>.
FOOLISHLY Defined for Kids
foolish
adjective fool·ish \ˈfü-lish\
Definition of FOOLISH for Kids
: showing or resulting from lack of good sense <a foolish man> <a foolish choice>
— fool·ish·ly adverb
— fool·ish·ness noun
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