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Definition of idiocy

idiocy

/ˈɪd.i.ə.si/
id · i · o · cy
Adverb:idiotically
•
Plural:idiocies
•
Adjective:idiotic
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idiocy Lexical Profile

idiocy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Extremely foolish, senseless, or imprudent behavior or thinking.

Example

"The sheer idiocy of ignoring the safety warnings resulted in an avoidable accident."

2

A foolish or senseless act, remark, or idea.

Example

"We laughed over the minor idiocies of the bureaucratic filing system."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for idiocy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for idiocy

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'idiocy' is used in everyday language to mean extreme foolishness, its historical use as a clinical diagnostic term for severe intellectual disability is now outdated and considered offensive.

• Nearby Words

ider river
ides
idiocracy
idiocy
idiom
idiomatic
idiomatically

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the noun 'idiot' (which traces back via Old French and Latin to the Ancient Greek 'idiōtēs', originally meaning a private citizen or layman lacking professional skill) plus the state-forming suffix '-cy'.

Cite this Entry

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