Foolhardiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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foolhardiness

 

[ ˌfuːlˈhɑːrdɪnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

act of bravery

Foolhardiness refers to a reckless or rash boldness, often characterized by a lack of consideration for the consequences. It implies that the individual is overly confident in their abilities and undertakes dangerous actions without proper thought.

Synonyms

bravado, foolishness, impulsiveness, rashness, recklessness

Examples of usage

  • His foolhardiness led to a near-fatal accident on the mountain.
  • The foolhardiness of their plan left everyone at risk.
  • She admired his foolhardiness, even though it was dangerous.
  • Foolhardiness can sometimes lead to unexpected triumphs.
  • In a moment of foolhardiness, he decided to jump into the river.

Word origin

The term 'foolhardiness' is derived from the combination of two words: 'fool' and 'hardy.' The word 'fool' originates from the Middle English 'foule,' which means one who lacks judgment or sense, while 'hardy' comes from the Old French 'hardi,' meaning brave or bold. The usage of 'foolhardy' began to appear in English literature around the late 16th century. It was often used to describe individuals who exhibited an audacious spirit without understanding the risks involved in their actions. Over time, 'foolhardiness' became a recognized term to label actions that exhibit excessive risk-taking or bravery that defies reason, highlighting the distinction between true courage and reckless abandon.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,304, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.