foolishness

noun

fool·​ish·​ness ˈfü-lish-nəs 

1

: foolish behavior

2

: a foolish act or idea

Synonyms of foolishness

• insanity
• madness
• simplicity
• absurdity
• craziness
• unwisdom

Examples of foolishness in a Sentence

the foolishness of going off to search for the fountain of youth

couldn't listen to another second of their foolishness, so I told them to be quiet

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t be afraid of the foolishness. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026

Still, foolishness can sometimes bring good results; there are good results here, and some less than good. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026

To grasp the profound foolishness of it all, readers need only conduct a search on Google while reading this opinion piece. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

This season Fears has shown both the maturity of the player who came back to discuss his actions with his head coach, and the foolishness of the hothead who responded with the hard foul. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1