gormless

American  

[gawrm-lis] / ˈgɔrm lɪs /

adjective

Chiefly British Informal.

1. lacking in vitality or intelligence; stupid, dull, or clumsy.

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gormless British  

/ ˈɡɔːmlɪs /

adjective

1. informal stupid; dull

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Usage

What does gormless mean? Gormless is a slang word meaning stupid, dull, or clumsy. Gormless is typically applied to people (and sometimes their actions). It is chiefly used in the U. K. Example: I feel totally gormless whenever I make a silly mistake like that.

Etymology

Origin of gormless

First recorded in 1740–50; respelling of earlier gaumless, from Northern English and Scots dialect gaum “heed, attention” (from Old Norse gaumr ) + -less

Example Sentences

The Guardian's Stuart Heritage was less impressed by the performance, declaring it "gormless", "deeply and unsettlingly confusing" and "one of the all-time great berserk musical performances ever seen".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2023

Now, there are enough thoughtful screen examinations of racial politics along with normalized visions of inclusive casting to make "You People" stand out as a gormless throwback.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2023

Hence, over the years, I’ve had some health problems that were most probably linked to being a gormless, vitamin-deprived vegetarian.

From The Guardian • Sep. 8, 2019

Even gormless corporations try to get in on the act, like when Disney attempted a Mickey Mouse/“Unknown Pleasures” mash-up in 2012, causing people to ask — Is this real?

From Washington Post • Jun. 14, 2019

She looked down at the gold tube, frowning, then looked up at my bland, gormless grin.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein