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Definition of foolishness

foolishness

/ˈfuːlɪʃnəs/
fool · ish · ness
Adverb:foolishly
•
Plural:foolishnesses
•
Adjective:foolish
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foolishness Lexical Profile

foolishness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of lacking good sense, foresight, or sound judgment.

Example

"Investing their entire savings into an unproven venture was an act of sheer foolishness."

2

Frivolous, silly, or nonsensical behavior or talk.

Example

"The teacher quickly put a stop to the classroom foolishness so the students could finish their exam."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for foolishness

• Rhymes for foolishness

• Nearby Words

foolhardy
foolish
foolishly
foolishness
foolproof
foosball
foot

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'foolish' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness'; the root 'fool' entered English via Old French 'fol' from Late Latin 'follis', originally meaning 'bellows' or 'windbag' and figuratively an 'empty-headed person'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foolishness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foolishness
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