imbecilic

adjective

im·​be·​cil·​ic ˌim-bə-ˈsi-lik How to pronounce imbecilic (audio)
1
: very stupid or foolish
imbecilic comments
The imbecilic characters, whose vocabulary does not stray much beyond "this is cool" or "it sucks" …Jonathan Freedland
2
dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below : affected with moderate intellectual disability
Usage of Imbecilic

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as imbecilic, were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of imbecilic was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near imbecilic

Cite this Entry

“Imbecilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbecilic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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