foolish

The word “foolish” means lacking good sense; unwise or silly. In plain terms, not smart or sensible; the way a fool would act.

“Foolish” is pronounced FOO-lihsh (/ˈfuː.lɪʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “foolish” used in a sentence: “It was foolish to leave the door unlocked overnight.”

Words with a similar meaning to “foolish” include absurd, idiotic, ridiculous, silly, unwise and asinine.

The opposite of “foolish” — its antonyms — is wise.

“Foolish” is an adjective.

The word “foolish” comes from Middle English. From Middle English folisch, built from fool + -ish.

“Foolish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

"Stupid" usually attacks a person's general intelligence and is harsher and more insulting, while "foolish" focuses on a particular lack of good judgment or sense. A very intelligent person can still do something foolish on a given occasion.

"Silly" is lighter and can be playful, absurd, or even affectionate, whereas "foolish" more seriously suggests poor judgment that may have real consequences. Calling a plan "foolish" implies it is genuinely unwise, not just amusing.

"Foolish" broadly means lacking good sense, while "foolhardy" specifically means recklessly bold, taking risks a sensible person would avoid. All foolhardy acts are foolish, but foolishness does not always involve danger.

"Foolish" often appears in phrases such as "foolish mistake," "foolish decision," "look foolish," "feel foolish," and "young and foolish." It typically describes an act or person showing a lack of good sense.