stupidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stupidity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a lack of intelligence or understanding in various contexts, often in discussions about decisions or actions. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was pure stupidity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

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

That is, are they stupid, or do they think we're stupid?It's hard to read accusations of stupidity or (more charitably?) incompetence as a simple exercise in framing.

The Economist

One features thousands of pasteable images, mainly of European leaders in humiliating photoshopped incidents or with captions pointing out their weakness and stupidity, or showing Putin making hilarious wisecracks and winning the day.

The Guardian

Mr Heston was clever enough to spot my stupidity, the paraphrase was left on the cutting floor room.

The Guardian

It is a kind of bottomless stupidity, a fiendish stupidity".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But to get knotted up about spoiling the end of Mad Men is an act of criminal stupidity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Back in 2006, while holding down such a big fat contract with the FA to manage England, Sven, through a mixture of gluttony and stupidity, allowed himself to be duped by the News of the World's "Fake Sheikh".

The Guardian - Sport

Almost any of us can be dumped in front of the court of public opinion and put on trial for stupidity and thoughtlessness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here, in the space of a few brief yet endless seconds, they would live an experience at the intersection of bravery, mortality, sport and stupidity.

The Guardian - Sport

First, it shows up the stupidity of all those newspaper spreads and BBC discussions constantly demanding "What would you cut?", like some middlebrow ransom note ("Choose now: or the lollipop lady gets it").

The Guardian - Opinion

It was conceivable that the world would end not in deliberate, calculated aggression, but in stupidity, mistakes, and men and machines run amok.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stupidity", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: lack of intelligence, poor judgement, or foolish behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "stupidity" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced terms like "lack of foresight", "poor judgment", or "cognitive deficiency" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stupidity" is as a noun. It refers to the quality or state of being stupid or an act or idea that shows a lack of good sense or intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stupidity" functions as a noun and is used to express a lack of intelligence or good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms the term is correct and usable in English. While it's a common term, it's advisable to use it carefully in formal contexts, opting for more nuanced alternatives like "poor judgment" or "lack of foresight" when appropriate. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business sources, "stupidity" serves to criticize or express disapproval, highlighting the absence of sound reasoning or understanding. Its usage frequency is high, indicating its prevalence in everyday language and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Foolishness

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or good sense, a common characteristic associated with "stupidity".

Folly

Implies a lack of foresight and a foolish act, often with negative consequences, similar to "stupidity".

Lack of intelligence

This alternative directly addresses the absence of intellectual capacity, a core component of "stupidity".

Idiotic behavior

Specifically refers to actions that are characteristic of someone who is stupid.

Lack of judgment

Highlights the inability to make sound decisions, another key aspect of "stupidity".

Senselessness

Highlights the lack of reason or purpose, often seen in acts of "stupidity".

Imprudence

Focuses on the lack of caution or foresight in decision-making, linked to "stupidity".

Absurdity

Focuses on the nonsensical or illogical nature of actions or ideas resulting from "stupidity".

Mindlessness

Suggests a lack of thought or attention, which can lead to actions considered "stupidity".

Witlessness

Emphasizes the lack of cleverness or understanding, a form of "stupidity" in social or intellectual contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "stupidity" in a sentence?

"Stupidity" is a noun that can refer to a lack of intelligence or a foolish act. For example, "His decision was an act of pure stupidity." or "The plan was doomed by its inherent stupidity."

What are some synonyms for "stupidity"?

Alternatives to "stupidity" include "foolishness", "folly", "idiocy", and "absurdity", each carrying slightly different connotations.

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

"Stupidity" implies a lack of intelligence or poor judgment, while "ignorance" refers to a lack of knowledge. One can act out of ignorance (lack of information) or out of stupidity (poor decision-making despite available information).

Is it appropriate to use "stupidity" in formal writing?

While "stupidity" is widely understood, it can be considered too informal or harsh for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "poor judgment" or "lack of understanding".