conventional wisdom

noun

: the generally accepted belief, opinion, judgment, or prediction about a particular matter

Examples of conventional wisdom in a Sentence

Conventional wisdom in Hollywood says that a movie can't succeed unless it stars a famous actor or actress.

Recent Examples on the Web

Among investors, even some of the world’s most successful contrarians—who make their fortunes betting against conventional wisdom—are embracing the idea that AI could yield bigger benefits more rapidly than any past technological advance. — Ruchir Sharma, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026

Contrary to conventional wisdom, patents don’t stifle competition. — Dr. Bowman Heiden, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

In election after election, conventional wisdom holds that the economy is the most important issue for American voters. — Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026

An American had never been pope, and the prevailing conventional wisdom was that one never would be elected. — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conventional wisdom

• unwisdom