silliness

American  

[sil-ee-nis] / ˈsɪl i nɪs /

noun

1. the quality of lacking good sense; foolishness.

   The author pokes fun at herself and the general silliness of celebrity culture.

   Her blog cuts through the contradictions, misinformation, and downright silliness out there about naturopathy.

2. absurdity, ridiculousness, or irrationality.

   This “no-touch” policy occasionally devolves into silliness, as when a teacher hesitates to help a five-year-old zip up a jacket.

3. clownish, whimsical, or exaggerated humor and playfulness; unrestrained high spirits.

   Our sessions included a lot of chatter, laughter, and silliness—exactly what sitting around a table playing games with friends is all about.

---

Etymology

Origin of silliness

silly ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Pierson notes that the songs were more "linear and traditional" than the scattergun silliness of their earlier work.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Despite the silliness, many scientists appreciate the Ig Nobels.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

“It’s important not to take yourself too seriously. We’re showing that it’s OK to have fun. And that silliness is a big, important component of rock and roll.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

But unbridled enthusiasm among private investors that led to late-summer silliness in stocks popular with day traders, especially anything bitcoin-related, worried me.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

But Grandma warned me not to bother Mother with my silliness.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• absurdity
• craziness
• foolishness
• goofiness
• stupidity