VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

foolhardy

adjective·Advanceddisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈfuːlˌhɑː.di/
US/ˈfuːlˌhɑːr.di/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Taking a dangerous risk that is unwise and unnecessary, usually because of too much confidence or too little thought.

    Grammar: Can stand before a noun or after a linking verb: a foolhardy plan, it was foolhardy to go.

    Patterns

    • it is foolhardy to do something
    • a foolhardy attempt at something
    • foolhardy of someone to do something

    It would be foolhardy to swim across the river after days of heavy rain.

    The foolhardy hikers ignored the storm warning and set out for the summit.

    Investors called the merger a foolhardy gamble that ignored the company's debts.

Word forms

comparativemore foolhardy
superlativemost foolhardy

Common combinations

a foolhardy attempt
Crossing the frozen lake in spring was a foolhardy attempt.
foolhardy courage
His foolhardy courage nearly cost the whole team its safety.
a foolhardy decision
Selling the house before checking its value was a foolhardy decision.
seem foolhardy
Starting a restaurant with no savings may seem foolhardy to many people.
downright foolhardy
Driving at that speed in fog is downright foolhardy.

Synonyms and how they differ

reckless
Reckless focuses on carelessness about consequences, while foolhardy suggests a bold, showy risk that no sensible person would take.
rash
Rash describes a hasty action taken without thinking, whereas foolhardy can also describe a risk someone chose on purpose out of bravado.
imprudent
Imprudent is a milder, more formal word for poor judgment and rarely suggests physical danger.
daredevil
Daredevil sounds more admiring or playful, as it is often applied to stunt performers who seek danger for thrills.

Opposites

cautiousprudentsensible

Word family

foolhardiness noun
the quality of taking senseless risks
foolhardily adverb
in a recklessly daring way
fool noun
a person who lacks good sense
foolish adjective
lacking good sense, but without the idea of dangerous boldness

Commonly confused: foolhardy or courageous?

foolhardy vs courageous

Courageous is a compliment for facing danger for a good reason, while foolhardy criticizes risk that serves no useful purpose.

Practice

Which sentence uses foolhardy correctly?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “foolhardy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words