stupid
STYOO-pihd
Stupid (adj) means lacking intelligence or common sense. Example: “I felt stupid when I realised I had left my keys in the door.”
adj
1
Lacking intelligence or common sense.
"I felt stupid when I realised I had left my keys in the door."
"It was a stupid mistake that cost him his job."
"Don't be stupid — check the brakes before you drive."
2
Annoying or irritating (used loosely as an intensifier of dislike).
"The stupid zip on my coat got stuck again this morning."
"Why does this stupid app keep asking me to log in?"
"I hate this stupid printer."
noun
1
A foolish or unintelligent person (informal).
"Don't call your brother a stupid."
"Everyone laughed when the stupid in the cartoon fell off his own ladder."
"She felt like a complete stupid after sending the email to the wrong person."
How to use stupid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot smart, or (informally) just annoying.
When to use it
Blunt and often considered rude when applied to a person directly; use "unwise" or "ill-advised" in more polite or professional contexts.
Common pairings
stupid mistake
stupid idea
feel stupid
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like stupid.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- stupids
- Comparative
- stupider, more stupid
- Superlative
- stupidest, most stupid
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I felt _____ when I realised I had left my keys in the door.
Etymology
From Middle French stupide, from Latin stupidus ("struck senseless"), from stupeo ("to be dazed"). Related to stupor and stupendous.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stupid
See all rhymes for stupid →Frequently asked questions
What does “stupid” mean?
The word “stupid” means lacking intelligence or common sense. In plain terms, not smart, or (informally) just annoying.
How do you pronounce “stupid”?
“Stupid” is pronounced STYOO-pihd (/ˈst(j)u.pɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “stupid” in a sentence?
Here is “stupid” used in a sentence: “It was a stupid mistake that cost him his job.”
What is another word for “stupid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stupid” include daft, inept, addlebrained, addlepated, airheaded and bee-brained.
What is the opposite of “stupid”?
The opposite of “stupid” — its antonyms — are intelligent and nonstupid.
What part of speech is “stupid”?
Depending on how it is used, “stupid” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “stupid” come from?
The word “stupid” comes from Latin. From Middle French stupide, from Latin stupidus ("struck senseless"), from stupeo ("to be dazed"). Related to stupor and stupendous.
Is “stupid” a common word?
“Stupid” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between stupid and ignorant?
'Stupid' suggests a lack of intelligence or common sense — a difficulty in understanding or reasoning. 'Ignorant' means simply lacking knowledge about something, which can be fixed by learning. A very intelligent person can be ignorant of a fact, so the two words are not interchangeable, and 'stupid' is far more insulting.
Is 'stupid' an offensive word?
It can be. Applied to a person, 'stupid' is an insult that questions their intelligence and can cause real offence. Used of an idea, plan, or object ('a stupid mistake'), it is milder and more casual. Because it targets ability rather than behaviour, many people find it hurtful and avoid it.
What is the opposite of stupid?
The most common opposites are 'intelligent', 'smart', and 'clever', all describing quick understanding and sound reasoning. Other antonyms include 'bright', 'sharp', and 'wise', though 'wise' leans more toward good judgement than raw intelligence. The right choice depends on whether you mean mental ability or practical common sense.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include stupid:
