Stupidness vs. Stupidity — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 28, 2024
Stupidness and stupidity both refer to the quality of being unintelligent, but stupidity is the more common and standard term used in English.
Difference Between Stupidness and Stupidity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Stupidness is a less commonly used term that conveys a lack of intelligence or common sense, similar to stupidity, which is the conventional term preferred in formal and informal contexts.
While stupidness might appear occasionally in casual use, stupidity is widely recognized and utilized in both spoken and written English.
Stupidity can be measured and discussed in various psychological and educational contexts, whereas stupidness is rarely used in such serious analyses.
The use of stupidity in literature, media, and academic texts underscores its acceptance and familiarity among English speakers, unlike stupidness, which might be seen as less formal or grammatically irregular.
In everyday language, calling an action or remark an instance of stupidity sounds natural, while labeling it as stupidness might sound unusual or creatively informal.
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Comparison Chart
Commonality
Rarely used
Commonly used
Contexts of Use
Informal, less recognized
Formal and informal
Literary Presence
Low
High
Acceptability
Considered nonstandard
Widely accepted
Psychological Usage
Almost non-existent
Frequently discussed
Compare with Definitions
Stupidness
Sometimes used humorously to criticize.
The movie's plot is full of stupidness.
Stupidity
Reflects a lack of understanding or foresight.
Stupidity led them to underestimate the challenge.
Stupidness
A quality of lacking intelligence or sense.
The stupidness of the idea was immediately obvious.
Stupidity
Often analyzed in psychological studies.
The study examines the effects of stupidity on decision-making.
Stupidness
Reflective of poor reasoning or foolishness.
His decision highlighted his stupidness.
Stupidity
Commonly referenced in discussions of mistakes and poor choices.
The project failed due to sheer stupidity.
Stupidness
Informal expression of someone's inability to think clearly.
Stupidness got the best of him in the debate.
Stupidity
Featured in idiomatic expressions and proverbs.
Stupidity has no limits is a popular saying.
Stupidness
Rarely used in academic or formal contexts.
One would not discuss the stupidness of a theory in a scholarly article.
Stupidity
The state of being unintelligent or unwise.
His act of stupidity cost him his job.
Stupidness
Slow to learn or understand; obtuse.
Stupidity
Stupidity is a lack of intelligence, understanding, reason, or wit. It may be innate, assumed or reactive.
Stupidness
Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes.
Stupidity
The quality or condition of being stupid.
Stupidness
Marked by a lack of intelligence or care; foolish or careless
A stupid mistake.
Stupidity
A stupid act, remark, or idea.
Stupidness
Dazed, stunned, or stupefied
Felt stupid after taking the pain medication.
Stupidity
(uncountable) The property of being stupid.
I suppose you can put it down to gross stupidity, but that's not much of an excuse.
Stupidness
Used to express disparagement or exasperation
Take your stupid notebook and go home.
Stupidity
(countable) An act that is stupid.
Jimmy's stupidity cost him his car.
Stupidness
A stupid or foolish person.
Stupidity
The quality or state of being stupid; extreme dullness of perception or understanding; insensibility; sluggishness.
Stupidness
The quality or state of being stupid.
Stupidity
Stupor; astonishment; stupefaction.
A stupidityPast admiration strikes me, joined with fear.
Stupidness
The result or product of being stupid.
Stupidity
A poor ability to understand or to profit from experience
Stupidity
A stupid mistake
Common Curiosities
What is stupidness?
Stupidness refers to the quality of being foolish or lacking in intelligence, though it is not commonly used.
Can stupidness be used in formal writing?
Stupidness is generally not recommended for formal use due to its rarity and perceived informality.
Is there a difference in the origin of stupidness and stupidity?
Both derive from the adjective "stupid," but stupidity is the more traditionally formed noun.
Do stupidness and stupidity have the same impact in speech?
Stupidity carries a stronger impact and clearer understanding due to its common usage.
Why is stupidity more common than stupidness?
Stupidity is more established within the language and recognized across various contexts, making it more common.
Can the use of stupidness be seen as incorrect?
While not strictly incorrect, stupidness is less standard and can be viewed as stylistically awkward.
What is stupidity?
Stupidity is the quality or state of being stupid; it is widely recognized and used in English.
Are stupidness and stupidity interchangeable?
While they can sometimes be used interchangeably in informal contexts, stupidity is the preferred and more standard term.
Is stupidness ever preferable to stupidity?
Stupidness might be used for creative or humorous effect, but stupidity is generally preferable for clear communication.
How should one choose between stupidness and stupidity in writing?
Stupidity should be used for clarity and acceptance, especially in formal and serious texts.
How do dictionaries treat stupidness and stupidity?
Stupidity is well-defined in dictionaries, while stupidness may not be included or marked as less standard.
What contexts might stupidness appear in?
Stupidness might appear in casual conversation or creative writing, emphasizing a colloquial tone.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
