stupid

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stupid" can be used in written English.
However, it is important to use the word with caution because it can be considered insensitive and offensive. For example: "I'm so stupid, I forgot to do my assignment!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even within a family fabled around the world for their stupidity (certainly since George I), Andrew was the stupid one.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have the same thing with smart cities – a stupid mayor and an eager company putting strange stupidities into the heart of the city.

The Guardian

While Labour's MP for Newcastle East and former Cabinet Minister, Nick Brown, declared that the idea was simply "cruel and stupid", in January the party was actively calling for the Government's overall benefit cap to differentiate between regions based on the fact that someone in the north would need less than someone in London.

The Guardian

Witness: "Interstellar I just thought was an abomination — like, I just didn't get it on any level and I thought it was so boring and awful and fucking indulgent and stupid".

The Guardian - Film

"When I'm out on a bike and I see someone doing something stupid I will absolutely have a word with them at the next set of lights," he said, adding: "There was a guy who was riding like an idiot, jumping lights, cutting up the pavement, and I just said: 'You're not helping matters here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think it's planned that way … so all the new senators look stupid and the government can justify changing the rules," he said, referring to government proposals to change Senate voting so people could not be elected on a tiny percentage of the vote.

The Guardian

Now I realise how stupid this reasoning was.

The Guardian

"We thought we were stupid thinking that there would be ashes," Rhiannon said.

The Guardian

Our connected times have meant that we've always got a stupid tablet of some description to finger-punch away on until someone comes along to save us from the horror of our own minds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With polls suggesting that a guiding premise of Obama's foreign policy – "Don't do stupid shit" – fell out of favour with the American public almost two years ago, the questions 19 months from Election Day start at Foggy Bottom and spread across the globe: how far might candidate Clinton go to distance herself from secretary Clinton?

The Guardian

"There are many twists and turns to go this season and the minute you start to predict or analyse too much about what might happen, you look stupid".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stupid", consider the context and audience to avoid causing offense. In formal settings, opt for less harsh synonyms like "unwise" or "foolish".

Common error

Avoid using "stupid" excessively in academic or professional contexts. Over-reliance on this word can make your writing appear less sophisticated. Instead, use a wider range of vocabulary to describe different types of flawed reasoning or actions.

Linguistic Context

The word "stupid" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of intelligence, reason, or good sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, and examples show its use to describe actions, ideas, or people considered foolish.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

25%

Opinion

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stupid" is a common adjective used to describe a lack of intelligence or good sense. While grammatically correct, it's essential to use it judiciously, considering the context and audience to avoid causing offense. Ludwig AI analysis shows that the word is prevalent in news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces. For formal writing, synonyms like "foolish" or "unwise" are preferable. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "stupid" and its alternatives can enhance clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintelligent

A more formal and direct synonym for lacking intelligence.

idiotic

Suggests extreme foolishness or senseless behavior.

foolish

Implies a lack of good sense or judgment.

dumb

Informal term indicating a lack of intelligence.

brainless

Indicates a complete lack of intelligence or thought.

witless

Suggests a lack of intelligence or understanding.

senseless

Highlights the lack of purpose or reason in an action or idea.

absurd

Describes something utterly illogical or unreasonable.

daft

British English term implying silliness or foolishness.

asinine

A more sophisticated term for extreme foolishness.

FAQs

How can I use "stupid" in a sentence?

You can use "stupid" to describe someone or something lacking intelligence or good sense, such as "That was a "stupid" mistake" or "He made a "stupid" decision".

What's a more polite way to say "stupid"?

Consider using alternatives like "foolish", "unwise", or "silly" to convey a similar meaning without being as harsh.

What's the difference between "stupid" and "ignorant"?

"Stupid" implies a lack of intelligence or understanding, while "ignorant" means lacking knowledge or awareness about a particular subject. Someone can be "ignorant" without being inherently "stupid".

Is it okay to call someone "stupid"?

While using the word "stupid" is grammatically correct, calling someone "stupid" is generally considered impolite and can be offensive. It's best to avoid using it in a derogatory way.