Stupidity
/st(j)uːˈpɪdəti/
Definitions
2 meaningsLack of intelligence, common sense, or judgment; the state of being stupid.
/st(j)uːˈpɪdəti/
The state of being stupid; lack of intelligence or understanding.
His stupidity led him to make a terrible financial decision.
💡 Simply: Imagine you try to put your socks on your hands. If someone does that, that’s an example of stupidity. It means doing something silly or not thinking clearly.
👶 For kids: When someone does something silly or doesn't think before they act, that's stupidity.
More Examples
The driver's stupidity resulted in a minor traffic accident.
The teacher was frustrated by the student's frequent displays of stupidity.
How It's Used
"The sheer stupidity of his actions was astonishing."
"The diagnosis revealed no cognitive deficiency, ruling out any inherent stupidity."
An instance of stupid behavior or a foolish remark.
/st(j)uːˈpɪdəti/
A stupid act or remark.
His impulsive decision was seen as a stupidity.
💡 Simply: Think of a time you did something silly and immediately regretted it, like wearing mismatched socks. That act of wearing the wrong socks is also an example of stupidity.
👶 For kids: Sometimes we do or say silly things. That silly thing is stupidity.
More Examples
Her comment was a stupidity that drew criticism.
Making a costly mistake due to carelessness is considered a stupidity.
How It's Used
"That was a moment of pure stupidity, forgetting my keys like that!"
"“What a stupidity!” she exclaimed when she saw the cost of the repair."
Synonyms
Dense
Foolishness
Ignorance
Blunder
Error
Folly
Gaffe
Mistake
From Latin *stultitia* ('foolishness'), from *stultus* ('foolish'). It entered Middle English as a derivative of 'stupid'.
The word has been used since the late 14th century, initially denoting a state or quality of being stupid, derived from 'stupid'. Usage has remained consistent, with a negative connotation.
Memory tip
Think of 'stupid' – the root of stupidity - to remember the meaning.