foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

Definition of foolish adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

FOOLISH definition: resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered: unwise. See examples of foolish used in a sentence.

FOOLISH definition: 1. unwise, stupid, or not showing good judgment: 2. unwise, stupid, or not showing good judgment…. Learn more.

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word foolish, two of which are labelled obsolete, and one of which is considered offensive. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation …

If someone's behavior or action is foolish, it is not sensible and shows a lack of good judgment. It would be foolish to raise hopes unnecessarily.

Define foolish. foolish synonyms, foolish pronunciation, foolish translation, English dictionary definition of foolish. adj. 1. Lacking or exhibiting a lack of good sense or judgment; silly: a foolish boy; a foolish …

lacking in good sense or judgment, or appearing to lack them; silly. It was no surprise that he lost all his money as he'd always been foolish in that way. I was young and foolish then, and I made decisions …

Nov 15, 2025 · Resembling or characteristic of a fool.

fool′ish•ly, adv. fool′ish•ness, n. 1. 2. senseless, vacant, vapid, simple, witless. Foolish, fatuous, silly, inane, stupid, asinine imply weakness of intellect and lack of judgment.