Definitions

foolishness

[foo-lish-nis] / ˈfu lɪʃ nɪs /

NOUN

idiocy, nonsense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurdity bunk craziness folly indiscretion insanity irrationality irresponsibility lunacy rubbish silliness stupidity

STRONG

absurdness claptrap foolery impracticality imprudence inanity insensibility mistake poppycock senselessness tommyrot twaddle unwiseness weakness

WEAK

carrying-on dumb trick fool trick horse feathers ludicrousness preposterousness unreasonableness witlessness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

judgment sense wisdom

WEAK

care carefulness caution circumspection prudence seriousness thoughtfulness wiseness

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.

Still, foolishness can sometimes bring good results; there are good results here, and some less than good.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Mr. Clooney has never had a better role, and he burrows deeply into it with a self-interrogating combination of narcissism, foolishness, bravado and charisma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

As Dickens prophetically reminds us, ours is hardly the first age of wisdom and of foolishness, the first epoch of belief and of incredulity.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2025

It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2024

“No one can feel worse than I do over the foolishness of their picketing the White House,” said Anna Howard Shaw, former president of NAWSA.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

foolishness

Example Sentences

Related Words