idiotic

adjective

id·​i·​ot·​ic ˌi-dē-ˈä-tik 

variants or less commonly idiotical

ˌi-dē-ˈä-ti-kəl 

1

: showing complete lack of thought or common sense : foolish

an idiotic question

found his excuses idiotic

2

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

idiotically

ˌi-dē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

smiled idiotically

Usage of Idiotic

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

Examples of idiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Johnston’s reimagining, Jim and Credenza Twit operate the most disgusting, dangerous, and idiotic amusement park in the world, Twitlandia. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025

That’s just idiotic foreign policy. —Jamie McIntyre, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

The Chiefs open with the J’s Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which is patently idiotic, but at least the loser can blame it on the bossa nova. —Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025

And jingoism, idiotic, is not patriotism. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for idiotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• meiotic
• patriotic
• prebiotic
• probiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

Kids Definition

idiotic

adjective

id·​i·​ot·​ic ˌid-ē-ˈät-ik 

: showing complete lack of thought or common sense : foolish

idiotically

-ˈät-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb