sheer stupidity

USAGE SUMMARY

'sheer stupidity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is extremely foolish or foolish beyond measure. For example: His failure to see the consequences of his actions was sheer stupidity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, sheer stupidity.

The Guardian

"One was sheer stupidity," Mr. Chamberlain said.

The New York Times

They behave badly out of sheer stupidity or on instruction.

The New York Times - Books

He probably should have been sent off for sheer stupidity.

The New York Times

Some play on greed, others on charity and many on sheer stupidity.

The Economist

The unsavoury aesthetics aside, there's the sheer stupidity of the story.

The Guardian - Film

But it is not the sheer stupidity of the comment that should offend us.

The Guardian

"The sheer stupidity of allowing and encouraging that should be obvious to all," Richards wrote.

The Guardian - Sport

I only realised 10 days later the sheer stupidity of what I'd done".

The Guardian

Where to begin on the sheer stupidity and fruitlessness of horizontal showering?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The real joy in Harry Hill's Tea-Time is the sheer stupidity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer stupidity" to express strong disapproval or disbelief in a foolish action or decision. It is effective when you want to emphasize the extreme level of foolishness involved.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer stupidity" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in news and opinion pieces, it may sound too informal or judgmental for scholarly work. Opt for more neutral phrases like "lack of foresight" or "unwise decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer stupidity" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object. It expresses a strong opinion about the extreme foolishness of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sheer stupidity" is a commonly used noun phrase to express a strong sense of disapproval towards something perceived as extremely foolish. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "sheer stupidity" is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, users should be mindful of the register and avoid overuse in formal academic writing, opting for more neutral language instead. Alternatives such as "utter foolishness" or "absolute idiocy" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter foolishness

Emphasizes the complete and total nature of the foolishness.

absolute idiocy

Highlights the extreme lack of intelligence or reason.

complete absurdity

Focuses on the nonsensical and ridiculous nature of the action or idea.

pure madness

Suggests the behavior is irrational and potentially dangerous.

downright foolishness

Emphasizes the undeniably foolish character of the action or decision.

rank incompetence

Highlights a severe lack of skill or ability, leading to foolish outcomes.

blithering ignorance

Focuses on the cluelessness and lack of awareness contributing to the stupidity.

mindless inanity

Emphasizes the lack of thought or meaning behind the action or statement.

unmitigated folly

Stresses that the foolishness is not lessened or excused by any factors.

colossal error

Focuses on the size and impact of the stupid action.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer stupidity" to describe actions or decisions that are remarkably foolish. For example, "The decision to cut funding for education was an act of sheer stupidity".

What can I say instead of "sheer stupidity"?

You can use alternatives like "utter foolishness", "absolute idiocy", or "complete absurdity" depending on the context.

Is "sheer stupidity" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "sheer stupidity" can be considered too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral and objective language, such as "lack of foresight" or "questionable judgement".

What's the difference between "sheer stupidity" and "negligence"?

"Sheer stupidity" implies a lack of intelligence or reason, while "negligence" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care. The former highlights the foolishness of an action, while the latter emphasizes the lack of due diligence.