# stupidity

/stuˈpɪdɪˌti/ (US) · /stjuːpˈɪdɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stupidity
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. lack of intelligence

noun · CEFR B1

the state of being stupid or lacking good sense.

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

- He was shocked by the sheer stupidity of the decision to close the school.
- 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. a foolish act

noun · CEFR B2

a specific action or mistake that is stupid.

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

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

## Examples

- I can't believe the stupidity of that decision.
- The manager was frustrated by the sheer stupidity of leaving the front door unlocked overnight.
- While some errors are born of ignorance, this particular failure was a result of pure stupidity, as the risks were clearly explained and documented beforehand.

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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.