noun
folly
FOL-ee/ˈfɑːli/
Lack of good judgment in thought or action.
Carrying so many fragile cups in one precarious stack shows folly.
Etymology
Old French folie covered both foolishness and madness. In English, the quality of being foolish also came to name a particular unwise act.
In context
she had been compelled to put on the little fancy pair of patent-leather with rather high, slender heels, which she had bought in a fit of folly one day in the winter
More examples
- She recognizes the folly of spending more than she earns.
- It is folly to drive through deep floodwater.
- We laugh at the follies of our youth.
Forms
folly · follies
foolish adjective — Showing poor judgment or little sense.
Similar words
- foolishness
- Covers silly behavior as well as a lack of judgment.
- imprudence
- Focuses on failing to consider risks or consequences.
- recklessness
- Implies disregard for danger rather than simply poor judgment.