idiocy
UK: /ˈɪd.i.ə.si/ | US: /ˈɪd.i.ə.si/
n. extreme foolishness or stupidity
n. (archaic) a foolish act or remark
The word "idiocy" derives from the Greek idiōtēs, meaning "private person" or "layperson," which later evolved in Latin (idiota) to mean "ignorant person." The English root "idiot" originally referred to someone lacking professional knowledge (e.g., a non-expert), but by the 16th century, it shifted to denote foolishness. The suffix "-cy" (from Latin -cia or Greek -kia) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality, thus "idiocy" literally means "the state of being an idiot." The term's evolution reflects societal views on intelligence and social competence.
His decision to quit his job without a plan was pure idiocy.
The politician’s speech was filled with glaring idiocy.
She sighed at the idiocy of the argument.
Historical records often mock the idiocy of outdated beliefs.
The film’s plot relied on the idiocy of its characters for humor.