Definition of gormlessnext
chiefly British
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily a comedy show that invariably portrays the British aristocracy as a bunch of gormless twits

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gormless This is the least intentional of this trio of gormless, spray-and-pray LPs but perhaps the most layered and ambitious. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026 There are worse things than watching Black, Rudd, and Zahn play three gormless morons on a mid-life misadventure, but almost every scene and setpiece is constructed with a haphazardness that blunders away their charm. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2025 Ustinov hired him, though, as Stamp had unwittingly replicated Billy Budd’s gormless behavior. — Rhett Bartlett, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2025 Much like bad prose, his gormless suits draw far too much attention to themselves. — Hazlitt, 19 Dec. 2024 Much of the movie unfolds inside the suburban Connecticut mansion where Lily lives with her gormless mother (Francie Swift) and her loathsome stepdad. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, 8 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gormless
Adjective
  • Then the reviews, of course, completely dismissed me as being like some old dumb blonde thing.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Basically all that's left for the dumb human to do when using the all-new Arrowmax Arrowspace S1 electric smart driver is dropping the bit in the tip and holding the driver steady – the S1 takes care of everything else.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That new development was in conjunction with head coach and top coordinator salaries that went from stupid to offensive.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In the end, that was stupid, because these things were actually trapped.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Increasingly, there are elevated places to stay that preserve the soul of this place, opening in a slow trickle like Valbona Resort and Spa (2024) and SeSam Villas in Theth (2025).
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The Bears jumped out to a 9-2 lead as USC was slow getting going offensively and committed three quick turnovers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Cutforth found a wide-open Riley with a simple swing pass out to the left, giving the junior running back plenty of space to showcase his speed and beat several Rams defensive backs to find the end zone.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Made of large, rigid plastic panels, Hardig’s invention was designed to be weather- and insect-proof, simple to clean and maintain, and lightweight and easy to move.
    — Sarah Kuta, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • And the oversized Heavenly robes are thick enough to justify padding down to the pool deck without feeling underdressed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Five bedrooms and four bathrooms are spread throughout the tower, with colorful stripes bringing a playful contrast to the thick masonry walls.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Just like many of his neighbors, the sound of the Delciello’s bell sent Carmody scrambling to round up tools and knives that needed their dull blades refreshed.
    — Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Spend your peak time on low-value work, and your axe will be dull for everything that counts.
    — Jeremy Macliver, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gormless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gormless. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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