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

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 …

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.

Jan 20, 2026 · Adjective foolish (comparative more foolish, superlative most foolish) (of a person, an action, etc.) Lacking good sense or judgement; unwise.

• It is foolish to think, therefore, that any social, cultural affair or any language has remained the same. be foolish enough to do something • He sincerely hoped that the Navigator would never be foolish …

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 …

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.

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