utterly stupid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'utterly stupid' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is often used to express a strong negative opinion about something. For example, you could say, "I thought his plan was utterly stupid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Utterly, utterly stupid," he says.

The Guardian

How utterly stupid and callous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Denying the risk seems utterly stupid.

The New York Times

The statistics are almost surreal, utterly stupid.

The Guardian - Sport

I assumed, of course, he would sound utterly stupid.

The New York Times - Books

Bierman went on, "You have done a lot of utterly STUPID business things with the franchise.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Absolutely stupid.

The Washington Post

And while these dilemmas remain an awfully long way off, it already seems alarming – and utterly, maddeningly stupid – that the second Champions Day at Ascot should be scheduled just a fortnight before the 29th Breeders' Cup.

Independent

"You are utterly the stupidest, most self-centered, appallingest excuse for an anthropomorphic personification on this or any other plane!" she screams.

The New Yorker

One can also understand Calvin's claim that, as a result of original sin, "our own insight … is utterly blind and stupid in divine matters" and that "man's keenness of mind is mere blindness as far as the knowledge of God is concerned" (Calvin 1536, Bk. II, Ch. II, sec. 19).

SEP

All of which seems utterly astounding given how stupid the film is".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly stupid" when you want to express a strong sense of disapproval or disagreement, particularly when describing ideas or actions that seem exceptionally foolish or lacking in common sense.

Common error

While "utterly stupid" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings. Consider using more nuanced or sophisticated language to convey your criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly stupid" functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is extremely foolish or unintelligent. It serves to express a strong negative evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Opinion

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Books

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly stupid" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to express strong disapproval, indicating something is extremely foolish. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. While versatile, it leans towards informal and neutral registers and, according to Ludwig, its occurrence is frequent in contexts such as news, opinion pieces, and wiki articles. When a more formal tone is required, consider alternatives such as "patently ridiculous" or "completely idiotic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely idiotic

Replaces "stupid" with "idiotic" for a slightly more forceful tone, emphasizing the lack of intelligence.

absolutely moronic

Uses "moronic" to amplify the sense of extreme stupidity.

utterly brainless

Focuses on the lack of thought or intelligence.

totally absurd

Shifts the focus from intelligence to the nonsensical nature of something.

incredibly dumb

Uses the informal term "dumb" to convey stupidity.

patently ridiculous

Emphasizes the obviousness of the foolishness.

blitheringly foolish

Uses a more colorful and less direct synonym for "stupid".

downright senseless

Highlights the lack of reason or purpose behind something.

pure foolishness

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

monumentally unwise

Substitutes "stupid" with "unwise", focusing on the lack of good judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly stupid" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly stupid" to express strong disapproval of an idea or action. For example, "I think that proposal is "utterly stupid" and won't work".

What's a more formal alternative to "utterly stupid"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "completely idiotic", "patently ridiculous", or "downright senseless" to convey disapproval in a more appropriate tone.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly stupid" in professional communication?

While "utterly stupid" is widely understood, its strong negative connotation might not be suitable for professional environments. Evaluate your audience and the context, and opt for alternatives like "monumentally unwise" if needed.

What's the difference between "utterly stupid" and "utterly ridiculous"?

"Utterly stupid" focuses on the lack of intelligence or sense, whereas "utterly ridiculous" highlights the absurdity or nonsensical nature of something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a lack of intelligence or a lack of reason.