Search Dictionary
Definition of halfwit

halfwit

/ˈhæfˌwɪt/
half · wit
Adverb:halfwittedly
•
Plural:halfwits
•
Adjective:halfwitted
JUMP TO:

halfwit Lexical Profile

halfwit Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A foolish, silly, or unintelligent person (used as an informal, derogatory term).

Example

"Only a complete halfwit would leave the confidential files unattended on a train."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for halfwit
Antonyms
View all antonyms for halfwit

• adjective

1

Foolish, unintelligent, or showing a severe lack of common sense.

Example

"The committee quickly rejected his halfwit scheme to bypass the safety regulations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for halfwit
Antonyms
View all antonyms for halfwit

• Nearby Words

halfpipe
halftime
halfway
halfwit
halfwitted
halibut
halifax

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century from the combination of Old English 'healf' (half) and 'witt' (mind, understanding, or intelligence), literally denoting a person perceived as possessing only half the normal mental capacity.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Halfwit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/halfwit
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.