asinine

USAGE SUMMARY

"asinine" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that's foolish, silly, or stupid. Example sentence: His asinine decision betrayed his lack of common sense.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If you think the music is asinine, that's OK, but don't judge music by class".

The Guardian - Music

Asinine it's not.

The Guardian - Music

(So did Mr Safire; though asinine alliteration was best avoided, when pounding out the punditry he could rarely resist).

The Economist

The nightmare vision of Big Brother still helps check thoughtless enthusiasm for surveillance; though ironically, given Orwell's loathing of cliché an asinine television show has drawn some of its power.

The Economist

But changes to the stance of monetary policy are determined by how the economy performs relative to expectations, which currently incorporate America's asinine fiscal policy.

The Economist

The boss of Wells Fargo has called the solvency tests "asinine".

The Economist

He treated a congressional hearing like an undergraduate seminar at Princeton, and patiently explained complex problems, sometimes in response to asinine questions.

The Economist

"I almost went down on my knees to beg Herbert Hoover to veto the asinine Hawley-Smoot Tariff," he recalled.

The Economist

Give the same type a TV programme, and suddenly his every asinine comment becomes a mini-typhoon of media opinion and outrage.

Independent

Stephen Mangan is the Platonic ideal as Bertie Wooster, as is clear from the moment he clocks the audience and bares his teeth in the most adorably asinine and good-natured grin in captivity.

Independent

Without spoiling it for the uninitiated, Kelly sets out to capture the bland but chipper, asinine manner of the Eighties and Nineties US family sitcoms that buzz forever in the background of a generation's childhood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asinine", ensure that the context supports the strong negative connotation. Overuse in casual conversation can sound overly critical or condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "asinine" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or constructive critique is expected. Opt for terms like 'unreasonable', 'illogical', or 'poorly conceived' to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "asinine" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as foolish or unintelligent. Ludwig indicates that this is a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asinine" is an adjective used to describe something considered exceptionally foolish or unintelligent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While the word is frequently used, particularly in News & Media, it carries a dismissive connotation and should be used judiciously, especially in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "foolish", "silly", and "ridiculous" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and audience. While the frequency is very common, be aware of its potential for causing offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly foolish

Emphasizes the degree of foolishness, making it more intense than "asinine".

patently absurd

Highlights the absurdity of something, rather than directly calling it unintelligent.

blithering idiot

Refers to a person behaving in an extremely foolish manner, implying incompetence.

mind-numbingly stupid

Stresses the effect of the stupidity, suggesting it's so dull it impairs thought.

laughably ridiculous

Indicates something is so ridiculous that it's comical.

devoid of intelligence

Directly states a lack of intelligence, more formal than "asinine".

remarkably unintelligent

Highlights the unexpected or notable lack of intelligence.

exceptionally dense

Implies a thick-headedness or inability to understand simple things.

demonstrably absurd

Indicates that the absurdity can be clearly shown or proven.

uncommonly foolish

Emphasizes that the foolishness is not typical or ordinary.

FAQs

How can I use "asinine" in a sentence?

"Asinine" is typically used to describe something considered foolish or unintelligent. For example, "That's an "asinine" idea" or "His "asinine" behavior was unacceptable".

What words can I use instead of "asinine"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "foolish", "silly", "stupid", "ridiculous", or "idiotic".

Is it appropriate to use "asinine" in formal writing?

While "asinine" isn't inherently incorrect, it can come across as dismissive and informal. In formal writing, consider more neutral or professional alternatives such as "unreasonable", "illogical", or "poorly conceived".

What's the difference between "asinine" and "foolish"?

While both terms describe a lack of good sense, "asinine" carries a stronger connotation of contempt or ridicule. "Foolish" is a more general term for unwise behavior, while "asinine" implies extreme and often irritating stupidity.