idiocy

noun

id·​i·​o·​cy ˈi-dē-ə-sē 

plural idiocies

1

: extreme foolishness or stupidity

the idiocy of the idea

I suppose every mother is reduced to idiocy when describing her firstborn, but, oh, he is a beauty …

—Katherine Paterson

2

: something that is extremely stupid or foolish : an idiotic action or statement

… a number of new bureaucratic idiocies have been instituted.

—Anthony Burgess

3

dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below : extreme intellectual disability

Usage of Idiocy

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as idiocy, were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. The use of these terms in the context of extreme intellectual disability was broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and is now considered offensive.

Synonyms of idiocy

• insanity
• absurdity
• stupidity

Examples of idiocy in a Sentence

an act of sheer idiocy

He was complaining again about the idiocies of the people he works for.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s been a classic staple over decades of British comedy, which from Basil Fawlty to David Brent has rejoiced in puncturing pomposity to reveal idiocy and incompetence. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

The school board’s radical idiocy does not negate the state’s obligation to think about the longer haul — specifically, the structurally unbalanced budgets facing Chicago Public Schools as far as the eye can see. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

This’ll be a great way to expose the hypocrisy or idiocy of the progressive movement ingrained in the league. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026

No one wants the distraction of bizarre and disturbing behavior, of internet idiocy or civil lawsuits. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing idiocy

• amaurotic idiocy

Kids Definition

idiocy

noun

id·​i·​o·​cy ˈid-ē-ə-sē 

plural idiocies

: something stupid or foolish

Medical Definition

idiocy

noun

id·​i·​o·​cy ˈid-ē-ə-sē 

plural idiocies

dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below

: extreme intellectual disability

Usage of Idiocy

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as idiocy, 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.