utter fool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'utter fool' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who is foolish beyond all measure. For example, "She was an utter fool for not seeing the warning signs!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

One player, however, took only nine minutes to make an utter fool of himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Only an utter fool would make such a mistake.* *Yes, yes I did.

The Guardian - Sport

Articles about addiction and atonement often strain for sympathy against the banality of the circumstances: a talented designer wrecks his career by behaving like an utter fool.

The New York Times

"Anyone who believes that the S.L.A., which is supported by the Israeli Army, can suddenly turn into an army of heroes that can fight on its own against Hezbollah -- anyone who believes that is an utter fool," Mr. Hamizrahi said.

The New York Times

It made sense that I came thisclose to passing out during the C-section video in our childbirth class and had to escape to the bathroom, where I could put my head between my knees without making an utter fool of myself.

The New York Times

There is plenty here to enjoy: 12 unique words or phrases (although one is a partial), like the startling 15-letter entry GO JUMP IN THE LAKE, as well as the fabulous UTTER FOOL, and MICROWATT (I pictured tiny little light bulbs).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"They are all complete and utter fools".

The New Yorker

They'd look like utter fools if they didn't admit there was some necessity to scale back their proposal".

The New York Times

We would be utter fools to think it can't happen again, or that the world will never have any more reason to build memorials.

The Guardian - Arts

Faced with a black man in the mold of the Poitier character — one who appears "so calm" and without "tensions" — white liberals can make utter fools of themselves.

The New York Times

For all his obvious respect for nature -- displayed not only in "Excalibur" (which was largely filmed near his own home in Ireland) but also in the lush, wild landscapes of "Hell in the Pacific" (1968), "Deliverance" (1972), "The Emerald Forest" (1985) and "Beyond Rangoon" (1995) -- he appears to harbor no illusions about our ability to live in it without making utter fools of ourselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter fool" when you want to express a strong sense of disapproval or derision towards someone's actions or intelligence. The phrase carries a significant negative connotation.

Common error

While "utter fool" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "misguided" or "unwise" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter fool" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a derogatory label. It identifies someone as exceptionally foolish. As Ludwig shows, the phrase appears across varied sources, highlighting its role in conveying strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Science & Research

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter fool" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe someone considered exceptionally foolish, carrying a strong negative connotation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a range of sources, primarily news and media, wiki pages, and scientific writing. While its usage is acceptable in many contexts, it's advisable to avoid it in formal settings, opting for more neutral alternatives. Similar phrases include "complete idiot" and "absolute moron". The phrase functions to express contempt or ridicule, reinforcing its place as an expressive, though often offensive, term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete idiot

Emphasizes the lack of intelligence of the person.

absolute moron

Highlights the extreme level of stupidity.

total imbecile

Focuses on the person's intellectual deficiency.

thorough simpleton

Suggests a lack of understanding or common sense.

perfect nincompoop

Implies foolish and silly behavior.

consummate buffoon

Highlights the person's ridiculous and comical behavior.

prize dolt

Indicates someone is exceptionally foolish.

certified blockhead

Emphasizes the person's stubborn and foolish nature.

outright dunce

Focuses on the lack of learning ability.

downright ninny

Suggests a naive and foolish person.

FAQs

How can I use "utter fool" in a sentence?

You can use "utter fool" to describe someone whose actions or decisions are exceptionally foolish. For example, "He was an utter fool for investing all his money in that scheme."

What can I say instead of "utter fool"?

You can use alternatives like "complete idiot", "absolute moron", or "total imbecile" depending on the context.

Is "utter fool" considered offensive?

Yes, "utter fool" is generally considered offensive due to its strong negative connotation and direct insult to someone's intelligence. Use it with caution and be mindful of your audience.

What is the difference between "fool" and "utter fool"?

Adding "utter" intensifies the degree of foolishness. While "fool" simply indicates someone lacking good sense, "utter fool" suggests an extreme and complete lack of judgment.