Word
idiotic
Phoneticsid·i·ot·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪdiˈɑtɪk/
UK/ˌɪdɪˈɒtɪk/
Informal
Definition
adj. extremely stupid or showing a complete lack of good sense.
adj. manifesting or characterised by extreme stupidity or foolishness. Often used to describe specific actions or decisions rather than innate intelligence.
Examples
“It was an idiotic mistake to leave the car unlocked.”
“The company lost thousands of dollars because of an idiotic clerical error that nobody noticed for weeks.”
“While the plan seemed idiotic to the seasoned engineers, the marketing team insisted that its very absurdity would capture the public's imagination.”
Examples
simple
“It was an idiotic mistake to leave the car unlocked.”
contextual
“The company lost thousands of dollars because of an idiotic clerical error that nobody noticed for weeks.”
complex
“While the plan seemed idiotic to the seasoned engineers, the marketing team insisted that its very absurdity would capture the public's imagination.”
Usage
Usually sits before the noun it describes or follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Teaching tip
While 'idiot' was once a medical term, 'idiotic' is now purely an insult. It is stronger and more critical than 'silly' or 'unwise'.
Etymology
From idiot + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/idiotic