conventional wisdom

noun

: the generally accepted belief, opinion, judgment, or prediction about a particular matter

Examples of conventional wisdom in a Sentence

Conventional wisdom in Hollywood says that a movie can't succeed unless it stars a famous actor or actress.
Recent Examples on the Web The conventional wisdom says no, on the ground that understanding irreversibility requires engaging in sophisticated reasoning about the future, a capacity that is likely beyond many nonhuman animals. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 As the business has grown substantially, conventional wisdom says that this isn't an efficient use of a CEO’s time. Armon Petrossian, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 According to conventional wisdom, organizations should rapidly react to technological advances, new market dynamics, and shifting consumer preferences. Jianwen Liao feng Zhu, Harvard Business Review, 14 Oct. 2024 For example, Dharma’s label says to use hot water, while conventional wisdom says to use cold water to avoid stains setting into the fabric. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conventional wisdom 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conventional wisdom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conventional wisdom was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near conventional wisdom

Cite this Entry

“Conventional wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventional%20wisdom. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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