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Definition of harebrained

harebrained

/ˈhɛərˌbreɪnd/
hare · brained
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harebrained Lexical Profile

harebrained Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Rash, ill-judged, and foolishly impractical; lacking careful thought or common sense (especially of a plan, idea, or person).

Example

"The committee quickly rejected his harebrained scheme to fund the project through lottery tickets."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often misspelled as "hairbrained" due to the homophonous first syllable; the standard spelling refers to the erratic behavior of a hare.

• Nearby Words

hardy
hardy geranium
hare
harebrained
harelip
harem
hari

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, combining "hare" and "brain" with "-ed", alluding to the proverbial flightiness and erratic behavior of the hare, particularly during its spring mating season.

Cite this Entry

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