foolhardy

adjective

fool·​har·​dy ˈfül-ˌhär-dē 

: foolishly adventurous and bold : rash

a foolhardy explorer

foolhardy investors

foolhardily

ˈfül-ˌhär-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

foolhardiness

ˈfül-ˌhär-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of foolhardy

• reckless
• courageous
• brave
• daredevil
• adventurous

Choose the Right Synonym for foolhardy

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of foolhardy in a Sentence

hikers who were foolhardy enough to remain on the summit during a thunderstorm

it's foolhardy to go hiking during late fall without warm clothes

Recent Examples on the Web

Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy. —Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026

He is set on juicing the economy by forcing the Fed to lower interest rates to a foolhardy one percent. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

Speaking about his foolhardy antics, Knoxville told Vanity Fair in July 2023 that he had been denied medical coverage at least once. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2026

Under the sheer size of that fallout, only five more teams sat between Florida and a bowl berth, which would seem to be a foolhardy suggestion after the season the Gators had. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foolhardy

• sephardi
• hardie
• lardy
• pardy
• tardy

Kids Definition

foolhardy

adjective

fool·​har·​dy ˈfül-ˌhärd-ē 

: foolishly adventurous or bold

foolhardily

-ˌhärd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

foolhardiness

-ˌhärd-ē-nəs 

noun