Definition

The quality of being reckless or taking unnecessary risks without thinking about the consequences.

Example

His foolhardiness led him to climb the mountain without proper gear.

Conversation

Did you hear about Jake's latest adventure?

Yeah, that was pure foolhardiness on his part!

I can't believe he thought it was a good idea.

Right? Sometimes he takes risks that just don't make sense.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Foolhardiness → It is formed from "fool" (from Old English *fola*, meaning a person lacking sense) and "hardy" (from Old French *hardi*, meaning bold or brave) with the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word describes the state of being boldly foolish or recklessly brave.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'bold' ('hardy') but also 'lacking sense' ('fool') — that's what foolhardiness means, the state of being recklessly brave.

Visually Confused Words