brainless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "brainless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is acting stupidly, foolishly, or without deep thought. Example sentence: It was brainless of him to take such a risk without considering the consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That wouldn't have been an issue when the show was a shuffling, brainless mess, as it has been in previous seasons, but the most recent has been picking up critical plaudits as well as viewers' eyeballs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Next time, excuse me, some brainless she-goat will think twice," he told FlashNord news agency.

The Guardian

When the DPJ ended half a century of one-party rule last year, voters had hoped that this sort of brainless, self-obsessed politics as usual would be the first thing on its hit list.

The Economist

Cartooning, said Mr Watterson, "will never be more than a cheap, brainless commodity until it is published differently".In 2012 he is finally getting his way.

The Economist

"A group of rigid-minded, brainless, violent and illogical people in Afghanistan are ruining Islam's reputation," lamented Iran's parliamentary speaker, Ali Akbar Nateq-Noori.Although there is no proof of American support, the Taliban are linked with extremist Sunni groups in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and may well share their prejudice against Shias.

The Economist

The latest farce over Brazilian visas was notably brainless (see article).

The Economist

"They were older than I, these boys," he writes, "but utterly brainless".

The Economist

Tacky billboards and bus posters were for brainless bores.

The Economist

These coastal liberals, some heartlanders grumble, think we all are brainless hicks—even the soldiers who defend them.Mrs Palin's supporters are disgruntled.

The Economist

Using an appropriate image, a project spokesman, Steve Hale, says: "In terms of international recognition, 'The Wizard of Oz' blows everything else away".More than cornThe mid-west, of course, does not just mean tornadoes, munchkins and brainless scarecrows.

The Economist

"It is far easier to argue for mindless economics than for brainless economics," he says.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brainless" to describe actions or ideas that are clearly lacking in intelligence or thoughtfulness. It is more impactful when used to critique decisions or behaviors rather than people directly.

Common error

Avoid using "brainless" in formal writing or professional settings. It can come across as overly harsh or judgmental. Opt for more nuanced terms like 'unreasoned' or 'ill-considered'.

Linguistic Context

The word "brainless" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something as lacking intelligence, sense, or thoughtfulness. According to Ludwig, it's usable in written English to refer to someone acting stupidly or foolishly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brainless" is a common adjective used to describe something lacking intelligence or good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. While grammatically sound, consider the context; it's best used for critiquing actions rather than people directly, and more formal situations might call for less judgmental language. Found frequently in news and media, it conveys disapproval or criticism, highlighting a perceived lack of intellect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stupid

Common term for lacking intelligence.

unintelligent

General term indicating lack of intellect.

idiotic

Similar to stupid, but often implies a more pronounced lack of intelligence.

foolish

Implies lack of good sense or judgment.

witless

Suggests a complete lack of wit or intelligence.

empty-headed

Describes someone lacking serious thought or intellectual depth.

daft

British slang indicating silliness or foolishness.

dense

Informal term suggesting slow understanding.

vacuous

Implies emptiness of thought or mind.

asinine

Indicates extreme foolishness or stupidity.

FAQs

How can I use "brainless" in a sentence?

You can use "brainless" to describe actions or ideas that lack intelligence. For example, "It was a "brainless" decision to invest all their savings in such a risky venture."

What are some synonyms for "brainless"?

Some synonyms for "brainless" include "unintelligent", "foolish", "witless", and "stupid", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to call a person "brainless"?

While grammatically correct, calling a person "brainless" can be considered offensive and impolite. It's generally better to critique specific actions rather than labeling individuals. Consider using alternative phrasing to express your criticism.

What's the difference between "brainless" and "mindless"?

"Brainless" suggests a lack of intelligence or good judgment, while "mindless" implies a lack of attention or awareness. "Brainless" refers to the quality of thought, whereas "mindless" refers to the state of attention.