inanity

noun

inan·​i·​ty i-ˈna-nə-tē 

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

Synonyms

• absurdity
• asininity
• bêtise
• fatuity
• folly
• foolery
• foppery
• idiocy
• imbecility
• insanity
• lunacy
• stupidity

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

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

And so, saying poor people choose to be poor and these kind of inanities at the time. —Steve Baltin, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Unfortunately, any theme Feldman tries to hang on these slippery characters just slides off into inanity. —Judy Berman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inanity

noun

inan·​i·​ty in-ˈan-ət-ē 

plural inanities

1

: the quality or state of being inane

2

: something inane