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adj

foolhardy

FOOL-hah-dee
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Foolhardy (adj) means Recklessly bold, taking risks without any regard for danger. Example: “Climbing the cliff without ropes was a foolhardy thing to do.”

adj
1
Recklessly bold, taking risks without any regard for danger.
"Climbing the cliff without ropes was a foolhardy thing to do."

How to use foolhardy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing brave in a way that's actually just reckless and stupid.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "foolproof," which means the opposite — safe from error, not reckless.

Easily confused with
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Word forms

Plural
foolhardies
Comparative
foolhardier, more foolhardy
Superlative
foolhardiest, most foolhardy
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Climbing the cliff without ropes was a _____ thing to do.

Etymology

From Old French fol hardi, literally "foolishly bold."

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for foolhardy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “foolhardy” mean?
The word “foolhardy” means recklessly bold, taking risks without any regard for danger. In plain terms, being brave in a way that's actually just reckless and stupid.
How do you pronounce “foolhardy”?
“Foolhardy” is pronounced FOOL-hah-dee (/ˈfulˌhɑɹdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “foolhardy” in a sentence?
Here is “foolhardy” used in a sentence: “Climbing the cliff without ropes was a foolhardy thing to do.”
What part of speech is “foolhardy”?
“Foolhardy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “foolhardy” come from?
The word “foolhardy” comes from Old French. From Old French fol hardi, literally "foolishly bold.".

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