foolhardy

[ fool-hahr-dee ]

adjective

, fool·har·di·er, fool·har·di·est.

1. recklessly or thoughtlessly bold; foolishly rash or venturesome.

   Synonyms: incautious, heedless, headlong, impetuous

foolhardy

/ ˈfuːlˌhɑːdɪ /

adjective

1. heedlessly rash or adventurous

Derived Forms

• ˈfoolˌhardiness, noun
• ˈfoolˌhardily, adverb

Other Words From

• foolhardi·ly adverb
• foolhardi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of foolhardy¹

1175–1225; Middle English folhardy < Old French fol hardi. See fool ¹, hardy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of foolhardy¹

C13: from Old French fol hardi , from fol foolish + hardi bold

Example Sentences

But it would be exceptionally brave, or foolhardy, judging on the statistics alone.

From BBC

“Based on the condition of the buildings we received, it is impossible and foolhardy to suggest that they could be completely turned around in weeks,” Pustilnikov said.

From Los Angeles Times

“The economy now is stronger than it was before the pandemic and trying to convince people otherwise is just completely foolhardy. The economy by almost every measure is better than it was four years ago.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mandelson said: "Courageous and foolhardy? Let’s see I don't see any point in being in politics unless you’re going to be a minister like that."

From BBC

Instead, straddling that fine line between being brave and being foolhardy, Carsley decided to throw it all up in the air with an attacking gameplan that looked thrilling on paper.

From BBC

Related Words

• adventurous
• audacious
• bold
• daring
• imprudent
• irresponsible
• reckless