crackbrained
Definition
Adjective: 1. Insanely irresponsible; foolish to the point of being irrational or crazy: Describes ideas, plans, or behavior that are wildly impractical, senseless, or lacking in sound judgment. 2. Idiotic; absurd: Characterized by or suggesting a severe lack of intelligence or common sense.
Usage
This adjective is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem') to strongly criticize an idea, suggestion, or plan as being not just bad, but utterly foolish and irrational. It is a strong, informal term.
Examples
- Attributive use:
- He dismissed the proposal as a crackbrained scheme that would bankrupt the company.
- The villain in the movie had a crackbrained plot to take over the world.
- Predicative use:
- The whole idea sounds completely crackbrained to me.
- Trying to sail across the ocean in that tiny boat is crackbrained.
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a disconnect from reality or a level of folly that borders on madness. It is more emphatic than simply calling something "foolish" or "silly."
- It can be used hyperbolically for dramatic effect, not necessarily to imply actual mental illness.
Variants and Related Words
- Crackpot (noun/adjective): A person holding wildly irrational ideas; eccentric or crazy. Often used similarly (e.g., ).
- Half-baked (adjective): Not fully thought through; poorly conceived or impractical (e.g., ).
- Lunatic (adjective): Wildly foolish (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Preposterous: Contrary to reason or common sense.
- Idiotic: Showing complete lack of thought or intelligence.
- Insane: In a context meaning utterly foolish or unreasonable.
- Foolhardy: Recklessly bold or rash.
- Asinine: Extremely stupid or foolish.
Antonyms
- Sensible: Chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence.
- Rational: Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
- Sound: Based on valid reasoning or good judgment.
- Prudent: Acting with or showing care for the future.
- Judicious: Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
Adjective
-
insanely irresponsible
-
an idiotic idea
-
