stupidity

noun

stu·​pid·​i·​ty stu̇-ˈpi-də-tē 

styu̇-

plural stupidities

1

: the quality or state of being stupid

2

: a stupid idea or act

Synonyms

• boneheadedness
• brainlessness
• denseness
• density
• dim-wittedness
• doltishness
• dopiness
• dorkiness
• dullness
• dulness
• dumbness
• fatuity
• foolishness
• gormlessness [chiefly British]
• mindlessness
• oafishness
• obtuseness
• senselessness
• simpleness
• slowness
• stupidness
• thickness
• vacuity
• weak-mindedness
• witlessness

Examples of stupidity in a Sentence

I was shocked by the stupidity of their decision.

the stupidity of the dialogue between the two romantic leads had movie audiences giggling uncontrollably

Recent Examples on the Web

In Microsoft of old, everyone had a story about Bill Gates shrieking at the top of his lungs over their stupidity. —Steven Levy, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024

In other words, people managed to eat, sleep, make love, and progress despite the shocking stupidity of the country’s first democratic government that was founded in Weimar after WWI. —John Tamny, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Whereas other characters are defined by their flaws — Moe’s lack of a love life, Skinner’s crippling attachment to his mother, and Homer’s general stupidity — Flanders is always relatively free of problems. —Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024

Bosses will forgive carelessness, stupidity, tardiness, and a temper tantrum. —Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stupidity

noun

stu·​pid·​i·​ty st(y)u̇-ˈpid-ət-ē 

plural stupidities

1

: the quality or state of being stupid

2

: something (as an idea or act) that is stupid