foolhardy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'foolhardy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone (or their behaviour) as daring and courageous, but in a reckless or careless way. Example sentence: He was acting very foolhardy by jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is both a map and a territory, so it would be foolhardy to try to produce a better one.

The Guardian - Tech

That intimacy ended after the tripartite model of economic management – government, business and unions – fatally hit the buffers in the winter of discontent (the piles of rubbish much exaggerated in The Iron Lady movie) and led to the Thatcher counter-revolution of 1979, which culminated in the defeat of Arthur Scargill's foolhardy strategy for the 1983-84 minerstrikeike.

The Guardian

But Drury, who now works at the legal firm Burton Copeland, said it would be "foolhardy" to pass new legislation on interception before a decision had been reached on a series of cases challenging Ripa in the European court.

The Guardian

The sad thing was that Lindsey had incurred the internet's wrath because she was impudent and playful and foolhardy and outspoken.

The Guardian - Tech

But for a man who cares so much about his legacy, overplaying his hand over an agreement of such overwhelming benefit to his country was foolhardy of Mr Karzai.

The Economist

India's stock market regulator has instructed private sector-listed companies to reduce majority shareholder control to 75% by June, forcing Naresh Goyal, a businessman, to reassess his 80% stake.While it would be foolhardy to predict which deal will come through, it seems to be moving in favour of Jet Airways.

The Economist

Mr Marcus has chosen a trio of stories for the first issue: one from Stephen Dixon, an established novelist, a second from Jason Schwartz, author of "A German Picturesque", and a third from an unpublished writer named Chanelle Benz.Launching a niche magazine at a time when print media is struggling sounds foolhardy but Ms Maduka is confident the American Reader can flourish.

The Economist

As a small child, he would never refuse a mission, no matter how foolhardy, from an older brother or sister.

The Economist

Launching one rebellion in Congo (Mr Kabila's, in 1996) looked audacious, launching a second was foolhardy.

The Economist

That they have not done so, indicates that they prefer lower taxes to new drugs.Presumably also the pharmaceutical companies are trying as hard as they can right now to negotiate higher prices from Europe and Asia; given the size of these markets, it would be foolhardy to do otherwise.

The Economist

Since most investments in the sector have a lifespan of 30 years or more, it would be foolhardy to invest before the new law is enacted.But mining companies are not the only ones to be discomfited by the law.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foolhardy", ensure that the context clearly indicates the presence of unnecessary risk and a lack of sound judgment. The term should highlight not just the danger, but also the lack of wisdom in facing it.

Common error

Avoid using "foolhardy" when the action, although risky, is justified by potential rewards or necessity. "Foolhardy" implies a lack of reasonable justification, while courage is taking risk with a very good reason.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "foolhardy" primarily functions to describe a noun, typically a person or action, characterized by a reckless disregard for danger or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing examples where "foolhardy" modifies behaviors or plans deemed unwise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foolhardy" is an adjective that describes actions marked by unthinking recklessness and disregard for danger. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian, indicating that the term is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing with "foolhardy", it's important to clearly indicate the presence of unnecessary risk and a lack of sound judgment, distinguishing it from bravery or justified risk-taking. The phrase is a powerful tool for expressing disapproval and warning against potentially harmful actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rash

Implies acting without thinking, similar to foolhardy, but can also mean a passing outburst.

reckless

Suggests disregard for danger or consequences, like foolhardy, but often implies greater potential harm.

imprudent

Focuses on a lack of wisdom or good judgment, making it a slightly milder and more formal alternative.

unwise

A general term for not showing good judgment and slightly less severe than "foolhardy".

ill-advised

Suggests an action against counsel or better judgment, often implying someone was warned.

audacious

Implies boldness or daring, sometimes to the point of recklessness, but can also have positive connotations.

venturesome

Suggests a willingness to take risks and face danger, with a strong and favorable acceptance of it.

risky

A straightforward term indicating the presence of risk, without necessarily implying foolishness.

precipitate

Suggests acting with excessive haste or impulsivity, similar to rash, but can imply more immediate action.

headstrong

Implies stubborn and willful behavior, often leading to risky decisions, differing in that the decision may not be foolish, just willful.

FAQs

How can I use "foolhardy" in a sentence?

You can use "foolhardy" to describe actions or decisions that are recklessly bold. For example, "It would be "foolhardy" to invest all your money in a single, unproven stock."

What's the difference between "foolhardy" and "reckless"?

"Foolhardy" implies a lack of judgment and disregard for potential negative consequences, while "reckless" emphasizes the disregard for danger. "Foolhardy" focuses more on the lack of wisdom, and "reckless" focuses more on the danger involved.

What are some synonyms for "foolhardy"?

Some synonyms for "foolhardy" include "rash", "imprudent", and "unwise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to describe someone as "foolhardy" in a positive way?

Generally, "foolhardy" has negative connotations, suggesting a lack of good judgment. However, it could be used ironically or humorously to describe someone whose boldness is admirable but also somewhat reckless, but its use is rare.