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.

Valuing a company that hasn’t made money at $1.8 trillion seems aggressive at best, foolhardy at worst.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Sir Keir added, in an interview with me, that "it would be foolhardy to simply say we would ignore" China.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 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

When Newby announced that he was running for a seat on North Carolina’s Supreme Court in the 2004 election, it seemed like a foolhardy choice.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

I knew it was foolhardy for me to leave Fort Hare, but at the moment I needed to compromise, I simply could not do so.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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