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stupidity

B1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /stjuːpˈɪdɪti/

US

  • /stuˈpɪdɪˌti/

Description

Stupidity is not just about being wrong; it is about acting in a way that shows very poor sense or judgment. It is the kind of behavior that makes you shake your head and wonder, "What were they thinking?" Sometimes it is a brief lapse in judgment, like wearing sandals in a blizzard. Other times, it can be a pattern of poor decisions. While everyone makes mistakes, this word is usually used for actions that ignore obvious results or repeat the same error again and again. It is a harsh word, usually reserved for actions that seem senseless and avoidable.

Examples

  1. 1

    Reckless action

    It was sheer stupidity to swim that far in rough water.

    • Phrase

      sheer stupidity

      complete stupidity

  2. 2

    Personal regret

    Looking back, I can see the stupidity of my decision.

  3. 3

    Momentary lapse

    In a moment of stupidity, he told everyone about the surprise party.

  4. 4

    Serious consequences

    One act of stupidity can ruin years of hard work.

  5. 5

    Carelessness

    The teacher said the mistake came from carelessness, not stupidity.

  6. 6

    War criticism

    The novel uses humor to show the stupidity of war.

See also

nounlack of intelligence, sense, or good judgment

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • sheer stupidity
  • act of stupidity
  • political stupidity

Word family

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Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • stupiditynoun

Forms

  • stupiditiespluralnoun