Nincompoop - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A nincompoop is a foolish or silly person, often used humorously or lightly to describe someone who acts in a stupid or incompetent way. It suggests a lack of intelligence or common sense.
Definition:
A foolish or stupid person.
Synonyms:
idiot, fool, simpleton, dolt, dunce
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
genius, sage
Common Collocations:
utter nincompoop, complete nincompoop, absolute nincompoop
Derivatives:
nincompoopery, nincompoopish
Usage Tips:
Use "nincompoop" humorously or lightly to describe someone acting foolishly without serious offense.
Common Phrases:
silly nincompoop, bumbling nincompoop, clueless nincompoop
Etymology:
Likely from Latin "non compos mentis" (not of sound mind), altered playfully over time.
Examples:
- 1. He called his brother a nincompoop for forgetting his keys again.
- 2. The teacher scolded the student for acting like a nincompoop in class.
- 3. Don’t be such a nincompoop—read the instructions carefully!
- 4. She laughed when her friend tripped and called herself a nincompoop.