Meaning & use

foolproof

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Designed so simply or effectively that it cannot fail or be used incorrectly.

See it in a sentence

The recipe promised a foolproof method for baking the perfect loaf of bread.

No security system is truly foolproof, but this one comes close.

A note on using this word

Often used with a hint of caution or irony, since claiming something is 'foolproof' can invite the very failure it denies is possible.

Words with a similar meaning

infalliblefailsafe

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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