plain stupidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain stupidity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is clearly foolish or lacking in intelligence. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in a failing business was nothing short of plain stupidity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"That was plain stupidity," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Coaching is necessary before going on TV because we're all prone to nerves, forgetfulness and occasional plain stupidity.

The Guardian

Earlier this year he produced a comic strip which mused over the moronic antics of artists he's witnessed, from swaggering bravado to plain stupidity.

The Guardian - Arts

But still, it involves choice on the part of the givers, and even that choice, the decisions the givers make between potential recipients, is troubling, always fraught with subjectivity, hypocrisy, and plain stupidity.

The New Yorker

If ever there was a story to crystallise the peevishness, victim complex and plain stupidity of Ukip, it was this week's battle of the press releases between comedy act Jonny and the Baptists and Ukip deputy leader Paul Nuttall.

The Guardian

So while we can be rationally sceptical over whether the players' fates are predestined, we can certainly see that many of them are the victims of their own hubris, parochialism or plain stupidity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Again, sheer stupidity.

The Guardian

However frustrated they may be by political paralysis, corporate trickery or plain human stupidity, none of them seem inclined to give up.

The New York Times

The speculation points from fear mongering by the media about Japan's corrupted youth to plain bureaucratic stupidity.

Vice

Whether it's caused by mechanical failure, poor intelligence, or plain ol' stupidity, there's going to be a civilian house or wedding party somewhere that takes a Hellfire missile, and this will spark warranted criticism and commentary.

Vice

Howard Silverblatt, 48 Editor, quantitative services, Standard & Poor's BOOK "Stupid White Men" by Michael Moore (2002) WHY "With all the scandals, improprieties, misjudgments and basic greed in the forefront of today's news, it's wise to remember that it is just plain old simple stupidity that has caused most of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "plain stupidity" in contexts where you want to convey a sense of frustration or disbelief at someone's actions.

Common error

Avoid using "plain stupidity" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated or nuanced vocabulary to maintain a professional tone. Consider alternatives like "lack of foresight" or "poor judgment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain stupidity" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object. It is used to describe an action, decision, or situation characterized by a clear lack of intelligence or common sense. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain stupidity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express disapproval or criticism towards actions clearly lacking intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While commonly found in news and media, it's less suitable for formal writing where alternatives like "sheer foolishness" or "utter idiocy" might be more appropriate. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the context and audience. Avoid overusing it in formal settings and consider the nuances of similar phrases to convey your intended meaning precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer foolishness

Emphasizes the lack of good sense or judgment.

utter idiocy

Highlights a complete lack of intelligence or reason.

absolute absurdity

Focuses on the nonsensical nature of the action or situation.

complete folly

Stresses the foolishness and lack of wisdom.

downright dumbness

Emphasizes a blatant lack of intelligence.

pure asininity

Highlights the silly and unintelligent nature.

simplemindedness

Focuses on the lack of complexity or depth in thought.

blatant irrationality

Emphasizes the lack of logical thinking.

unmitigated foolishness

Highlights the extreme and unreserved nature of the foolishness.

rank imbecility

Emphasizes the extreme lack of intelligence or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "plain stupidity" in a sentence?

You can use "plain stupidity" to describe actions or decisions that are obviously foolish. For example, "Investing all your money in a failing company is "plain stupidity"".

What are some alternatives to "plain stupidity"?

Alternatives include "sheer foolishness", "utter idiocy", or "complete folly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "plain stupidity" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "plain stupidity" is generally too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, consider more formal alternatives such as "lack of sound reasoning" or "poor strategic decision-making".

What's the difference between "plain stupidity" and "mere ignorance"?

"Plain stupidity" implies an active, foolish choice or action, whereas "mere ignorance" suggests a lack of knowledge or awareness. Stupidity involves acting against better judgment, while ignorance may simply be a lack of information.