chiefly British
as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily a comedy show that invariably portrays the British aristocracy as a bunch of gormless twits

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Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gormless Much like bad prose, his gormless suits draw far too much attention to themselves. Hazlitt, 19 Dec. 2024 Much of the movie unfolds inside the suburban Connecticut mansion where Lily lives with her gormless mother (Francie Swift) and her loathsome stepdad. Justin Chang, latimes.com, 8 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gormless
Adjective
  • So ridiculous the referee initially had trouble believing that anyone could be so reckless & stupid.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
  • And there was no such thing ever as a bad decision or a stupid question.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • The Israel Defense Forces have been slow to withdraw from their position in the southern part of Lebanon despite a Nov. 27 ceasefire deal that gave the Lebanese Army and the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon exclusive jurisdiction over the region.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Randle has often been slow to close out on 3-point shooters and inattentive off the ball.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My top answer is a simple and no-brainer recommendation: Wash your hands with soap and water.
    Amanda Schupak, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers These iconic Stan Smith sneakers offer form and function thanks to their simple design, soft leather material (no blisters here!), and roomy fit.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Turn the heat to medium-low, add the grits and cook, stirring frequently, until thick, creamy, and tender, 15–20 minutes.
    Ryan McCarthy, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the cables he’s found are as thick as a pinky finger and, when attached to the right tree, are strong enough to anchor an elephant calf.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For optimal baking, open the containers to check their aroma and if the smell is dull throw it away.
    Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The action was so frenetic that the dull parts of Test matches, lulls that often exist when one team is in complete control, were basically eradicated.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gormless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gormless. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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