idiotic

adjective

id·i·ot·ic ˌi-dē-ˈä-tik

variants or less commonly idiotical

ˌi-dē-ˈä-ti-kəl

Synonyms of idiotic next

: showing complete lack of thought or common sense : foolish

an idiotic question

found his excuses idiotic

dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below : characterized by extreme intellectual disability

idiotically

ˌi-dē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

smiled idiotically

Usage of Idiotic

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as idiotic, were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Examples of idiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Too many young people are making idiotic short-term financial decisions that hamper long-term success. —

Chandler Dean, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2023 Beyond the Lungs Two other cardiac cases impressed me — and blew away the idiotic notion that young people are immune to COVID-19. —

Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2020 Taking money from the IRS — the agency responsible for collecting the money that funds the government — would be an idiotic move. —

Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2023 Mötley Crüe are by now legendary for their idiotic courtship with violence and the Grim Reaper. —

Dean Kuipers, SPIN, 8 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for idiotic