Word
brainless
Phoneticsbrain·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹeɪnɫɪs/
UK/bɹˈeɪnləs/
Informal
Definition
adj. describing someone who is very stupid or lacks common sense. It is a strong word that people use to show they think someone is acting like a fool.
adj. lacking intelligence or common sense; acting in a foolish or thoughtless manner. Often carries a derogatory or dismissive tone in informal contexts.
Examples
“It was a brainless mistake to leave the keys in the car.”
“The politician made a brainless comment about the economy that immediately cost him his job.”
“While the plan seemed brilliant on paper, the brainless execution led to a total collapse of the project's budget and timeline.”
Examples
simple
“It was a brainless mistake to leave the keys in the car.”
contextual
“The politician made a brainless comment about the economy that immediately cost him his job.”
complex
“While the plan seemed brilliant on paper, the brainless execution led to a total collapse of the project's budget and timeline.”
Real-World Examples
“I suppose it would be possible to dismiss this as a brainless treasury, the reduction of great art to blissful entertainment.” Etymology
From Middle English braynles; equivalent to brain + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/brainless