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

“It would have been foolhardy if I had been able to do it earlier — I wasn’t adept enough,” Eggers explains.

From Los Angeles Times

Foolhardy military misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan, pushed by Washington elites trying to deny any sense of decline, stoked simmering anger among ordinary Americans, slowly discrediting the very idea of international commitments.

From Salon

Foolhardy military misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan, pushed by Washington elites trying to deny any sense of decline, stoked simmering anger among ordinary Americans, slowly discrediting the very idea of international commitments.

From Salon

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

Related Words

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