Word
moron
Phoneticsmo·ron, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɔˌɹɑn/
UK/mˈɔːɹɒn/
Definitions
01an idiot
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Vulgar
n. a very insulting word for a person you think is stupid or has done something foolish.
n. a derogatory term for a person perceived as stupid or foolish. While common in informal speech, it is often considered offensive or vulgar depending on the social context.
“Some moron blocked my driveway with their car this morning.”
“The critic dismissed the director as a moron, claiming the film lacked even a basic understanding of narrative structure.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun, often preceded by 'complete', 'total', or 'absolute' for emphasis.
Teaching tip
This word is much stronger and more offensive than 'silly' or 'foolish'. Learners should be cautious as it can cause genuine anger or be seen as ableist.
Antonyms
02historical medical term
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Archaic · Technical
n. an old-fashioned medical word for someone with a learning disability.
n. a historical clinical category for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities, specifically those with an IQ between 50 and 70.
“In the early 1900s, doctors used the word moron as a medical label.”
“The eugenics movement of the early twentieth century frequently targeted individuals classified as morons for forced institutionalization.”
Usage
Now strictly historical; using this in a modern medical context is considered highly inappropriate.
Teaching tip
Explain to students that many modern insults began as clinical terms. This sense is only found in historical texts or academic discussions about the history of psychology.
Real-World Examples
“He could paint like Jan van Eyck when he wanted but sometimes preferred to paint like a clumsy moron.” “The only problem was that Rodriguez was, as he describes it, the “world’s worst picky eater.” “I told him, ‘You’re a moron, I’m not taking her to sushi,”’ Rodriguez says.” Etymology
Coined by American psychologist Henry H. Goddard in 1910, from Ancient Greek μωρόν (mōrón), the neuter form of μωρός (mōrós, “foolish, dull”). Coined in the third sense by philosopher Ronald Dworkin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/moron