borders on stupidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "borders on stupidity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is very close to being foolish or unreasonable. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in that failing company borders on stupidity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The show does have  a certain way of reviewing vehicles that sometimes borders on stupidity.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

An irate Mrs. Kirchner responded by calling Britain a "crude colonial power in decline" and accusing Mr. Cameron of "mediocrity bordering on stupidity".

The New York Times

That determination bordering on stupidity, and respect for the sport and its setting, bears close resemblance to the great audax riders and racers of cycling history, and the Pyrenees is the perfect setting to see it thrive.

The Guardian

"It is so absurd it borders on total stupidity," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Huffington Post

Owens Corning's legal theory borders on a kind of stupidity defense: Duh, we didn't even know we were insolvent when we paid the dividends, so now we want 'em back.

Forbes

As a commenter named Kaciak said on Rock and Ice: "I admire his skills, but this particular accomplishment borders with stupidity.

The New York Times

Then black comedy was piled on stupidity.

The New Yorker

The result was nobody would pull the plug on stupidity.

The New York Times

Mr Lake may blame this fact on stupidity or ill will; such faults do exist.

The Economist

We jump to scandal long before we settle on stupidity.

Huffington Post

Such understanding borders on telepathy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "borders on stupidity" to express a strong disapproval of a decision or action, suggesting it's on the brink of being completely unreasonable. It's effective for conveying a sense of frustration or disbelief.

Common error

While "borders on stupidity" can be impactful, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more diplomatic alternatives like "approaches being unwise" or "raises concerns about judgment" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "borders on stupidity" functions as a judgmental descriptor, qualifying a noun or situation as being close to utterly foolish. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "borders on stupidity" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong sense of disapproval, indicating that something is close to being completely foolish or unreasonable. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the formality of the setting and opt for more diplomatic alternatives in professional environments. Its judgmental tone makes it best suited for situations where expressing strong criticism is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaches absurdity

Emphasizes the nearness to being completely illogical or ridiculous.

verges on foolishness

Highlights the potential for an action or idea to cross over into being unwise.

nears idiocy

Implies a close proximity to acting or thinking in a very unintelligent way.

is akin to recklessness

Draws a comparison to behavior that disregards potential dangers or consequences.

smacks of imprudence

Suggests a lack of careful consideration or foresight.

suggests utter folly

Emphasizes the complete lack of good sense in an action or idea.

intimates irrationality

Hints at a lack of reason or logical thinking.

resembles senselessness

Compares to actions or ideas devoid of meaning or purpose.

implies a lapse in judgment

Points out a temporary failure in someone's ability to make sound decisions.

indicates poor reasoning

Shows a deficiency in the ability to think logically and draw correct conclusions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "borders on stupidity"?

You can use alternatives like "approaches absurdity", "verges on foolishness", or "nears idiocy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "borders on stupidity"?

It means that something is very close to being completely foolish, unreasonable, or nonsensical. It implies a strong sense of disapproval or disbelief.

Is "borders on stupidity" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "borders on stupidity" might be too informal or harsh for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "suggests utter folly" or "implies a lapse in judgment" to maintain a more professional tone.

How do I use "borders on stupidity" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a decision, action, or idea that you believe is nearly completely foolish. For example: "His decision to invest all his savings in that venture "borders on stupidity"."