inane

[ih-neyn]

adjective

1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly.

   inane questions.

   Synonyms: pointless, absurd

2. empty; void.

noun

1. something that is empty or void, especially the void of infinite space.

inane

/ ɪˈneɪn /

adjective

1. senseless, unimaginative, or empty; unintelligent

   inane remarks

Other Word Forms

• inanely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inane¹

First recorded in 1655–65, inane is from the Latin word inānis

Word History and Origins

Origin of inane¹

C17: from Latin inānis empty

Example Sentences

Others debated why the show had lost its spark: too many inane games, over-edited drama, and a focus on contestant personalities instead of actual cooking.

From Salon

From the moment they arrive at the resort, she can’t stop yammering about the inane details of their lives in North Carolina.

From Salon

We'll soon see if he really means to carry out this inane tariff plan.

From Salon

But being ride-or-die means that you have to support your companion wholeheartedly, no matter how many inane decisions they make along the way.

From Salon

In voice-over narration, Angela communicated directly to the audience and shared her innermost thoughts — sometimes eloquent, sometimes inane but always authentic to the volatile experience of being a teenager.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What are other ways to say inane?

Something inane lacks sense, significance, or ideas. Do you know when to use inane, fatuous, silly, foolish, stupid, and asinine? Find out on Thesaurus.com.