nincompoop

[ nin-kuhm-poop, ning- ]

noun

1. a fool or simpleton.

nincompoop

/ ˈnɪŋ-; ˈnɪnkəmˌpuːp /

noun

1. a stupid person; fool; idiot

Other Words From

• nincom·pooper·y noun
• nincom·poopish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nincompoop¹

First recorded in 1670–80; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of nincompoop¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Tom was of course not a nincompoop, but a serious, thoughtful person who hungered to add substance to sketch comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

“You moron! You idiot! You nincompoop!”

From Literature

Call McCarthy a nincompoop all you want, but—so far!—he’s outplaying Democrats on the debt limit.

From Slate

A multinational corporation intent on protecting franchises that bring it more than $80 billion a year has thus far made its adversary look like a blustering nincompoop.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the subtler striking images she portrayed repeatedly was that of her boss, Mark Meadows, as a disengaged nincompoop.

From Slate

Related Words

• dunce