noun

idiocy

IH-dee-uh-see

Idiocy (noun) means Extremely foolish behavior or thinking; a stupid act. Example: “Driving home after ten drinks was pure idiocy.”

noun

Extremely foolish behavior or thinking; a stupid act.

"Driving home after ten drinks was pure idiocy."

"The plan collapsed under the weight of its own idiocy."

How to use idiocy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBehavior or a decision so foolish it's hard to believe.

When to use it

Blunt and somewhat harsh — fine informally, but avoid it in professional or clinical contexts.

Common pairings

sheer idiocy an act of idiocy

idiocies plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Driving home after ten drinks was pure _____.

From French idiotie, from Old French idiot.

Origin: Old French

idiocity idiotacy idiotcy idioticalness idiotery idioticity idioticness idioticy idiotism idiotness idiotry

intelligence idiocity idiotacy idioticalness idioticity idioticness idioticy idiotism

What does “idiocy” mean?

The word “idiocy” means extremely foolish behavior or thinking; a stupid act. In plain terms, behavior or a decision so foolish it's hard to believe.

How do you pronounce “idiocy”?

“Idiocy” is pronounced IH-dee-uh-see ([ˈɪɾiəsi] in IPA).

How do you use “idiocy” in a sentence?

Here is “idiocy” used in a sentence: “Driving home after ten drinks was pure idiocy.”

What is another word for “idiocy”?

Words with a similar meaning to “idiocy” include idiocity, idiotacy, idiotcy, idioticalness, idiotery and idioticity.

What part of speech is “idiocy”?

“Idiocy” is a noun.

Where does the word “idiocy” come from?

The word “idiocy” comes from Old French. From French idiotie, from Old French idiot.

intelligence idiocity idiotacy idioticalness idioticity idioticness idioticy idiotism