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
  • What used to be a forum for original, quirky, clever remarks by the Daily News’ varied community of smartypants has turned into a gridlock of repetitious venting of old, dumb blah.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026
  • How to make an iPhone a 'dumb phone' To simplify an iPhone, users should engage Assistive Access, an iOS feature intended for users with cognitive disabilities.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Even when Romanzy goes off on how stupid and ugly Caleb is — and gossips that his parents abandoned him because something must be wrong with him — Mary goes along with it.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • Shockingly, the letter seems to be pushing for a return to standardized tests by, in effect, arguing that a growing percentage of their students are simply too stupid to succeed, no matter what professors do.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Still, as the game wore on to the waning moments, both teams were visibly sapped of energy and moving at a slower pace, including Haaland, who faded late in the game, was subbed out at the 105-minute mark and replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • The question is whether the stock price leaves enough room if that recovery is slower, messier, or pricier than hoped.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • With the bulge-bracket firms the clear winners, choosing a VC has become simpler.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • The original historic rooms feature heavy drapery, regal-looking bed frames, and simple baths.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • With the blessing and support of the Forest Service, the tribe began working to restore parts of its homeland — not as a shrubland, or thick conifer forest, but an open and free tapestry anchored by oaks.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Big bluegills fight hard, and hauling them out of sunken trees or thick vegetation on light tackle takes real skill.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite Spain’s defensive record and the dull 1-0 win against Portugal last round, the odds still think this game will see more action.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • The result is a post-vacation radiance that’s never streaky, dull, or heavy.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gormless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gormless. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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