English Reference
noun

stupidity

n.
US /stuˈpɪdɪˌti/ UK /stjuːpˈɪdɪti/ stu·pid·i·ty UK spelling stupidities

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the state of being stupid or lacking good sense.

    the abstract quality of lacking intelligence, judgment, or common sense.

    Simple

    He was shocked by the sheer stupidity of the decision to close the school.

    In context

    The critic argued that the film's plot relied entirely on the characters' stupidity rather than any genuine dramatic tension.

    Usage

    Uncountable in this sense.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a specific action or mistake that is stupid.

    a particular act, remark, or decision that demonstrates a lack of intelligence.

    Simple

    I have committed many stupidities in my life, but that was the worst.

    In context

    The memoir is a candid account of the various stupidities the author committed during his reckless youth in Paris.

    Usage

    Countable in this sense; often used in the plural to describe a series of mistakes.


From Latin stupiditātem, accusative of Latin stupiditās, equivalent to stupid + -ity.

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

This entry
Origin Latin stupiditās
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated