imbecility

[ im-buh-sil-i-tee ]

/ ˌɪm bəˈsɪl ɪ ti /

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noun, plural im·be·cil·i·ties.

an instance or point of weakness; feebleness; incapability.

stupidity; silliness; absurdity.

an instance of this.

Psychology. (no longer in technical use; considered offensive) the state of being an imbecile.

QUIZ

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Question 1 of 8

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

Origin of imbecility

1525–35; earlier imbecillity<Latin imbēcillitās.See imbecile, -ity

Condescension can be irritating in its expression of hysteria and imbecility, but that comes with freedom of speech.
Obama Loses His Cool|Stanley Crouch|June 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST
But the Nation of Islam had up to date imbecility to offer as well.
The End of 'Bad Boy' Thinking|Stanley Crouch|November 20, 2008|DAILY BEAST
He attributes much to the imprudence, or imbecility of the enemy, whose plan of saving an army he likens to Sterne's marble sheet.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
These symptoms may be present in a variety of degrees, and in advanced cases even imbecility or paralysis may ensue.
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy|Alexander Hughes Bennett

As for Lyndaraxa, her repeated and unparalleled treachery can only be justified by the extreme imbecility of her lovers.
The Works Of John Dryden, Volume 4 (of 18)|John Dryden
He did not anticipate that there would be any other outbreak of violence, or anything more than a partial imbecility.
Julian Home|Dean Frederic W. Farrar
They were induced also to do this by the imbecility of the kings who succeeded each other on the thrones of Syria and Cilicia.
The Geography of Strabo, Volume III (of 3)|Strabo