harebrained

adjective

hare·​brained ˈher-ˈbrānd 

1

: foolish sense 1

2

: absurd, ridiculous

Synonyms

• birdbrained
• ditzy
• ditsy
• dizzy
• featherbrained
• flighty
• frivolous
• frothy
• futile
• giddy
• goofy
• light-headed
• light-minded
• puerile
• scatterbrained
• silly
• yeasty

Examples of harebrained in a Sentence

the movie follows the harebrained antics of a pair of stoners who seem incapable of growing up

a harebrained idea to go for a hike in an area where grizzly bear attacks had recently been reported

Recent Examples on the Web

Khrushchev’s harebrained scheme involved transporting medium- and intermediate-range nuclear missiles by ship to Cuba, while somehow managing to avoid detection by NATO. —Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 16 Nov. 2022

However, there is a certain charm to the harebrained things that got greenlit in the age of Aqua Net and leg warmers. —Tim Moffatt, EW.com, 20 May 2024

In the first season, Lance is Brooke’s loser boyfriend, who is always pitching harebrained ideas for custom sneakers. —Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 9 June 2023

Only the steeliest of investors would dare become an entrepreneur in this economy; wannabe investors cling on to solid careers rather than risk it all for some harebrained cash grab. —Robert Stevens, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

harebrained

adjective

hare·​brained -ˈbrānd 

: silly sense 1, giddy