# inane

/ˌɪˈneɪn/ (US) · /ɪnˈeɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inane
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

stupid or silly in a way that is annoying. You use this to describe things that are not worth thinking about because they are so boring or empty.

For teachers: stupid, silly, or foolish in a way that is irritating or trivial. Often used to describe speech, ideas, or activities that lack any real value or intelligence.

## Examples

- The movie was full of inane jokes that nobody laughed at.
- The politician's speech was criticized for being inane, as it focused on minor details rather than the actual issues facing the country.
- The novel's plot is criticized for its inane subplots, which distract from the central narrative and fail to provide any meaningful character development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.