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

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.

Definition of foolish adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and 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 you look or feel foolish, you look or feel so silly or ridiculous that people are likely to laugh at you. I just stood there feeling foolish and watching him. I didn't want him to look foolish and be laughed at.

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 …

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.

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

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 …