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foolhardy

adjective

/ˈfuːlhɑːdi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of foolhardy

Reckless, risky, or imprudent behaviour that shows a lack of good judgment or common sense.
"The driver's foolhardy disregard for traffic rules resulted in a serious accident."

Detailed meaning of foolhardy

A foolhardy person might be seen as being willing to take unnecessary risks, without considering the possible negative consequences, or disregarding warnings or advice.

For example, a foolhardy investment is one that is made without proper research or due diligence, and is considered likely to result in a loss. A foolhardy person might be one that engages in dangerous activities such as extreme sports, without proper training or equipment.

It also implies a willingness to take unnecessary risks and disregard of the potential negative consequences. It suggest a lack of concern for personal safety or the safety of others.

In general, the term "foolhardy" carries a negative connotation and is often used to describe behavior or actions that are reckless, risky, and imprudent, and lack of good judgement or common sense.

Example sentences containing foolhardy

1. His foolhardy attempt to climb the treacherous mountain without proper gear almost cost him his life.
2. It was foolhardy to think she could pass the interview without preparation.
3. It was foolhardy to venture into the haunted house after dark.
4. The foolhardy decision to invest all his savings in a risky business venture left him in financial ruin.
5. She dismissed the warnings and made a foolhardy bet on the underdog team.
6. It was foolhardy to think he could outsmart the experienced con artist.

History and etymology of foolhardy

The adjective 'foolhardy' can be broken down into two parts to understand its etymology. The first part, 'fool,' comes from the Old English word 'fugol,' which means 'bird.' In Old English, 'fool' was used to describe a person who was easily deceived or lacking in good judgment. The second part, 'hardy,' has roots in Old French and Latin. 'Hardy' in Old French meant 'bold' or 'courageous,' and it is derived from the Latin word 'hardus,' which also meant 'bold' or 'strong.' So, 'foolhardy' combines the idea of recklessness associated with a fool with the boldness of someone who is hardy or courageous. This etymology highlights the notion of engaging in risky or imprudent behavior that shows a lack of good judgment or common sense, often driven by excessive boldness or heedlessness.

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Further usage examples of foolhardy

1. Jumping into the raging river without a life jacket was a foolhardy move.
2. His foolhardy stunt on the skateboard led to a painful injury.
3. She considered it foolhardy to travel alone through the dangerous wilderness.
4. Starting a business with no market research was a foolhardy decision.
5. Climbing the ancient ruins without safety equipment was a foolhardy act of bravado.
6. He was labeled as foolhardy for confronting the armed robber with nothing but his bare hands.
7. Attempting to disarm the bomb without proper training was a foolhardy move.
8. Going on a solo expedition to the Arctic with minimal supplies was foolhardy.
9. The detective's foolhardy chase after the suspect led to a dramatic showdown.
10. She was scolded for her foolhardy decision to take a shortcut through the dark alley.
11. The explorers' foolhardy journey into the uncharted jungle had dire consequences.
12. The pilot's foolhardy maneuver caused the plane to stall mid-flight.
13. Playing with firecrackers without safety precautions was a foolhardy choice.
14. His foolhardy boast about his invincibility proved to be his downfall.
15. The hiker's foolhardy attempt to cross the raging river alone ended in disaster.
16. Riding a bike without a helmet is not only foolhardy but also illegal in some places.
17. The journalist's foolhardy pursuit of the dangerous story put her in harm's way.
18. Disregarding the warning signs was a foolhardy decision in the face of danger.
19. They all agreed that the plan was foolhardy and doomed to fail from the start.