plural inanities
1
: the quality or state of being inane: such as
a
: vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
b
: lack of substance : emptiness
2
: something that is inane

Examples of inanity in a Sentence

quickly realized that her suggestion was an inanity and withdrew it the jaw-dropping inanity of the singer's comments on the awards show
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This column started out as The Week in Stupid, a roundup of the jaw-dropping inanities of the last seven days. Pat Beall, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025 The conflict is a sustained demonstration of war’s essential inanity. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025 Laugh at these inanities, but these theories often serve an end, especially on the right: to help politicians and movements score points with their base. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 There is just nothing to like about this spring-forward inanity. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for inanity 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inanity was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near inanity

Cite this Entry

“Inanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inanity. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

plural inanities
1
: the quality or state of being inane
2
: something inane

More from Merriam-Webster on inanity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!