completely idiotic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely idiotic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is perceived as utterly foolish or nonsensical. Example: "The idea of investing in that failing company is completely idiotic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Peston rejected the allegations on Twitter, branding them "completely idiotic".

The Guardian

General recommendation: before you denounce a reputable economist for making some completely idiotic mistake, do your homework.

The New York Times

"It is a completely idiotic idea that we won't trade with them after we've left the EU.

The Guardian

"Yes I also understand it," he adds, suggesting that the prevailing culture is, at least, not always completely idiotic.

The Guardian

Above all, he appears convinced that, in the present circumstances, only pointless, completely idiotic gestures will suffice.

The Guardian

Waiting for aid from the Russian government is pointless, and it's completely idiotic to wait for the Syrian regime's help as well".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Completely infantile and idiotic ideas," he storms in one of the centre's lecture theatres in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Guardian

By the time it finishes, you completely believe such idiotic concepts as Christopher Walken making a career as a Russian roulette player.

The Guardian

He seemed trapped in his agitated state and proceeded to talk about the college ranking system for twelve uninterrupted minutes, describing it as "ludicrous," "idiotic," "totally corrupt," "completely perverse," and "just nonsensical".

The New Yorker

"I am completely opposed to this idiotic reductionism of works of olfactory art to their raw materials, which is as stupid as reducing a Frank Gehry building to the kind of metal, the kind of wood and the kind of glass that he used," Mr. Burr proclaimed.

The New York Times - Arts

"They have got it completely wrong with this idiotic rule," Sonksen told me.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely idiotic" when you want to strongly emphasize the foolishness or lack of sense in a situation, idea, or action.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, "completely idiotic" might be too informal or harsh for professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "utterly absurd" or "patently misguided" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely idiotic" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong negative judgment about its intelligence or sense. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely idiotic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase for expressing strong disapproval of something deemed foolish. Ludwig highlights its proper usage across diverse sources, predominantly in news and media, although formal contexts might benefit from more refined alternatives. The phrase serves to emphasize the extreme lack of sense or intelligence, often with a touch of ridicule. While widely accepted, it's crucial to consider the audience and context to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly absurd

Emphasizes the ridiculousness and unreasonableness of something.

totally ridiculous

Highlights the laughable and nonsensical nature of something.

absolutely foolish

Focuses on the lack of wisdom or sense.

patently absurd

Indicates that something is obviously and undeniably ridiculous.

blitheringly stupid

Uses stronger language to convey extreme foolishness.

mind-numbingly dumb

Suggests that something is so stupid it dulls the mind.

downright moronic

A more informal and harsh way to describe something as very stupid.

unbelievably senseless

Emphasizes the lack of any logical sense or reason.

ludicrous beyond belief

Highlights the extreme and almost unbelievable nature of the ridiculousness.

incredibly misguided

Focuses on the poor judgment and flawed reasoning behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "completely idiotic" in a sentence?

You can use "completely idiotic" to describe ideas, actions, or situations you find extremely foolish. For example, "Investing all your savings in a cryptocurrency based on a meme is a "completely idiotic" idea".

What are some alternatives to saying "completely idiotic"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "utterly absurd", "totally ridiculous", or "absolutely foolish".

Is "completely idiotic" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "completely idiotic" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "patently absurd" or "incredibly misguided" instead.

What makes something "completely idiotic" as opposed to just "idiotic"?

The addition of "completely" intensifies the degree of foolishness or lack of sense. Something that is "completely idiotic" is seen as exceptionally or undeniably foolish.