Foolish: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when someone acts without thinking, making decisions that lack good judgment. The term can convey both minor errors and more serious lapses.

• It was foolish of him to leave his valuables unattended in a public place
• She made a foolish investment and lost all her money

Used for light-hearted or trivial mistakes and actions that are harmless and often funny. It is less harsh and can even be affectionate.

• You're so silly for wearing mismatched socks! She told a silly joke that made everyone laugh

Stronger term with a more negative connotation. It's used for serious lack of intelligence or common sense and can be offensive.

• Driving without a seatbelt is just plain stupid
• That was a stupid thing to say during the meeting

A polite and formal way to describe actions or decisions that lack wisdom or good judgment. It focuses on the poor choice rather than the person.

• It would be unwise to sign a contract without reading it first
• His decision to quit his job without another one lined up was unwise

Used when describing someone or something lacking good sense or judgment.

• It was foolish to go out without an umbrella when it was clearly about to rain.
• She made a foolish decision investing all her money in that risky project.

Used when describing something extremely silly or unreasonable, often with a negative connotation.

• It's ridiculous to expect someone to work 12 hours a day without a break.
• She looked ridiculous wearing that oversized hat.

Suitable when describing something that is wildly unreasonable or illogical to the point of being laughable.

• The idea that the Earth is flat is absurd.
• He gave an absurd excuse for being late, involving aliens and time travel.

Best used when describing something that is amusing or funny in an unusual or unexpected way.

• The way he slipped on the wet floor was quite comical.
• The play had many comical scenes that made everyone laugh.