foolishly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foolishly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action done in a way that lacks good sense or judgment. Example: "He foolishly invested all his savings in a failing business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is mainly a public sector issue nowadays and public sector employees can be foolishly out of touch with private sector realities, as their 2011 strike against pension reforms confirmed.

The Guardian

They get a lecturing from the so-called Socialists of France about prudence, while Varoufakis has been labelled by his German counterpart as "foolishly naive".

The Guardian - Opinion

That's right, women: not only are you foolishly allowing doctors to divest you of your ability to give birth, but you soon won't even love the few kids you manage to produce.

The Guardian - Opinion

The coalition foolishly cancelled it and the chance to grab a place in the high-end global supply chain was lost.

The Guardian

There's something about being in that bureaucratic situation that encourages you to behave foolishly".

The Guardian - Books

Later, when things started to get on top of him, he foolishly sang the praises of the PlayStation Vita; an endorsement so utterly baffling that he'd have never made president had anyone important actually heard it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Moving down and through the old town centre, the impression of a European capital is maintained: the bustling Mercado Central, where I foolishly chewed on a piece of pulpo (octopus) to impress the locals; the Plaza de la Libertad; and the imposing edifice of La Moneda.

The Guardian - Travel

And foolishly, policy neophytes – new converts to the artificial power of rhetoric – buy the slogans and sell them off to the nearest politician as a new way to improve Aboriginal affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

At one end there is a simplified version of the pointed tower from which the Lady of Shalott foolishly looked out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our only regret is that when America won its war of independence, it foolishly discarded its right to play a sport of such skill and temperament.

The Economist

His message was clear: America is foolishly betraying its would-be friends.In truth, his speech, though grave and stern in its delivery, was pretty short on policies that differ greatly from Mr Obama's.And in the areas where it did propose substantial policy shifts, the sad truth is that they would probably clash with his plans for magical transformation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foolishly" to describe actions taken without considering the potential negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "foolishly" in highly formal or professional documents where a more neutral term like "unwisely" or "imprudently" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foolishly" is as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It describes the manner in which an action is performed, indicating a lack of good judgment or wisdom. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "foolishly" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe actions lacking good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used correctly in many contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, its judgmental tone may make it less suitable for highly formal or scientific settings. Related terms include "unwisely", "imprudently", and "naively", each with slightly different nuances. When using "foolishly", ensure it accurately reflects a lack of foresight or wisdom in the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unwisely

Direct synonym, emphasizing lack of wisdom.

Imprudently

Highlights a lack of foresight and care.

Stupidly

Implies a lack of intelligence.

Rashly

Emphasizes acting without thinking.

Thoughtlessly

Focuses on a lack of consideration for consequences.

Indiscreetly

Focuses on a lack of tact or discretion.

Carelessly

Emphasizes a lack of attention or diligence.

Short-sightedly

Indicates a failure to consider long-term effects.

Naively

Suggests a lack of experience or understanding.

Senselessly

Highlights a lack of purpose or reason.

FAQs

How can I use "foolishly" in a sentence?

"Foolishly" modifies a verb, describing how an action was performed with poor judgment. For instance, "He "foolishly invested" all his money in a risky venture".

What can I say instead of "foolishly"?

You can use alternatives like "unwisely", "imprudently", or "naively" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "foolishly" or "unwise"?

"Foolishly" is an adverb, modifying a verb, while "unwise" is an adjective, describing a noun. Use "foolishly" to describe how someone acts and "unwise" to describe a decision or action itself.

What's the difference between "foolishly" and "recklessly"?

"Foolishly" implies a lack of good judgment or common sense, whereas "recklessly" suggests a disregard for danger or consequences. "Foolishly" is often used when the outcome is simply negative, while "recklessly" implies a higher degree of risk.