idiocy

[id-ee-uh-see]

noun

plural

idiocies 

1. utterly senseless or foolish behavior; a stupid or foolish act, statement, etc..

   All this talk of zombies coming to attack us is pure idiocy.

   Synonyms: folly, inanity, foolishness

2. Psychology.,  (no longer in technical use; considered offensive) an intellectual disability, previously classified in a now obsolete rubric of developmental disorders as having a mental age of less than three years old and an intelligence quotient under 25.

idiocy

/ ˈɪdɪəsɪ /

noun

1. (not in technical usage) severe mental retardation

2. foolishness or senselessness; stupidity

3. a foolish act or remark

Word History and Origins

Origin of idiocy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin idiotia “imbecility,” from Hellenistic Greek idiōteía “uncouthness, ignorance,” Greek “state of being a private person”; idiot, -cy

Example Sentences

She must navigate the idiocy of her high school peers while solving a metaphysical murder mystery.

From Los Angeles Times

Utter asininity is the bread and butter of “The Naked Gun,” and the movie milks cop idiocy for all its worth.

From Salon

Aside from the idiocy of the move itself, one of the most egregious screw-ups on that chat was the efense secretary sharing imminent war plans.

From Salon

At a Wisconsin elementary school in the 1960s, she faced racism and presumptions of idiocy.

From Los Angeles Times

Almost every Republican on Capitol Hill knows that Donald Trump's tariff plan is political suicide, but few are willing to admit that Dear Leader fully intends to see this idiocy to the very end.

From Salon

Related Words

• insanity 
• lunacy 
• madness