idiocy

[ id-ee-uh-see ]

noun

, plural id·i·o·cies.

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: foolishness, folly, inanity

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

But the arguments and fighting and idiocies that have been going on for the last 40 years between these four disparate groups of people and their managers and whatever — it’s lovely to say goodbye to.

From Los Angeles Times

They were supposed to still be furious at how the Padres had showboated their way to a Game 2 victory that incited Dodger Stadium fans into idiocy, right?

From Los Angeles Times

I was not sure if this was due to awe, fear, or basic idiocy.

From Literature

Dishonesty is prevalent and powerful enough to make a frightening percentage of Americans believe absolute idiocy over common sense, and horse paste over hard science.

From Salon

Even the response on Twitter, which has turned into a rat's nest of MAGA-fried idiocy under Elon Musk's leadership, was surprisingly muted.

From Salon

Related Words

• insanity
• lunacy
• madness