English Reference
Adverb

foolishly

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfuɫɪʃɫi/ UK /fˈuːlɪʃli/ fool·ish·ly

adv.in a way that shows you are not thinking clearly or making good choices. You use this when someone does something that is likely to cause problems or embarrassment.

adv.in a manner that demonstrates a lack of good judgment or wisdom. Often used to describe actions that lead to negative consequences or social disapproval.


SIMPLE

He spent all his money foolishly on a new car.

CONTEXTUAL

She foolishly ignored the weather warning and went for a long hike in the mountains during the storm.

COMPLEX

The company foolishly expanded its operations too quickly without securing enough capital, leading to a financial collapse that took years to recover from.

She said: “Anybody who imagines that now trying to slow pedal or backpedal or pretend that the future isn’t coming is foolish and is acting foolishly and irresponsibly.” Robinson welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks.

BreakingNews.ie· 27 Aug 2026

From Middle English folysly, folysschly; equivalent to foolish + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English folysly
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated