Definitions

foolhardy

[fool-hahr-dee] / ˈfulˌhɑr di /

ADJECTIVE

impetuous, rash

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adventurous audacious bold daring imprudent irresponsible reckless

WEAK

adventuresome breakneck daredevil devil-may-care harebrained headstrong incautious madcap off deep end out on limb precipitate temerarious venturesome venturous wide open

Antonyms

STRONGEST

afraid careful cautious cowardly fearful meek prudent responsible shy timid unadventurous

WEAK

discreet thoughtful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So they’ve been trying to talk their leaders out of this foolhardy mission.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

“If anyone wants to keep their job as CEO, it would be tremendously foolhardy to adopt a homegrown, vibe-coded solution,” Meyer said, referring to the process of creating software via AI text prompts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

The number of people who applied for unemployment benefits after Thanksgiving jumped to a three-month high, but it’s foolhardy to judge the overall health of the labor market on holiday seasons.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025

Some concluded it was foolhardy to even consider rebuilding in such a fire-prone place.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2025

Oh yes, said Janine. . . . but not foolhardy, said Aunt Lydia, frowning a little.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Vocabulary lists containing foolhardy

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