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.

Was it a calculated risk or stubborn foolishness?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 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

“Under Paris” fares far better, turning the foolishness dial up so far it breaks.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2025

The Lakers were, again, the Lakers — the version from early this season that made optimism seem nothing like foolishness.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

“I’ve been thinking about this all backward,” he said, shaking his head at his own foolishness.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

foolishness

Example Sentences

Related Words