# fatuous

**Pronunciation:** /ˈfætʃuəs/ · FACH-uus

**CEFR level:** C2

**Part of speech:** adjective

## Meaning 1: when describing foolish behavior

Foolish or silly, often in a self-satisfied way. This word describes someone who lacks good sense or judgment, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd.

## Examples

- His fatuous comments during the meeting made everyone roll their eyes.
- The fatuous expression on her face was a dead giveaway that she was clueless about the situation.
- The politician's fatuous response to the crisis was widely criticized by the media.

## Meaning 2: when describing self-satisfied behavior

smug or complacent

## Examples

- His fatuous smile made it clear he was pleased with himself, even if his idea was terrible.
- The fatuous tone of the article was off-putting, as if the author thought they were superior to their readers.
- The company's fatuous response to the criticism only made things worse.

## Synonyms

- lacking good sense
- playfully foolish
- worthy of ridicule
- completely foolish or unreasonable
- completely absurd or unreasonable

## Antonyms

- having good sense
- having a high mental capacity

## Common patterns

- fatuous grin — a foolish or silly smile — He had a fatuous grin on his face as he walked out of the meeting.
- fatuous comment — a foolish or silly remark — The politician's fatuous comment about the economy sparked outrage.

## Collocations

- fatuous smile — The fatuous smile on his face made it clear he was pleased with himself.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/fatuous

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)