foolishness
9 synonyms and 1 antonyms for foolishness, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state or quality of being unwise or silly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English folishnesse, follissnesse, equivalent to foolish + -ness.
Full origin of foolishness →Frequently asked questions
What does “foolishness” mean?
The word “foolishness” means the state or quality of being unwise or silly. In plain terms, silly, unwise behavior or an unwise idea.
How do you pronounce “foolishness”?
“Foolishness” is pronounced FOO-lihsh-nuhs (/ˈfuːlɪʃnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “foolishness” in a sentence?
Here is “foolishness” used in a sentence: “His foolishness cost him the whole deal.”
What is another word for “foolishness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “foolishness” include imprudence, folly, extravagance, irresponsibility, indiscretion and absurdity.
What is the opposite of “foolishness”?
The opposite of “foolishness” — its antonyms — is wisdom.
What part of speech is “foolishness”?
“Foolishness” is a noun.
Is “foolishness” a common word?
“Foolishness” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “foolishness” have?
“Foolishness” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state or quality of being unwise or silly.