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

Hacks takes no backseat in its send-up of show biz inanity, but with more heart along the way. —Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Whether to get some space from his inanity, be able to spend more time with her ex-boyfriend, or simply encourage him to be a person, Tammy urges Craig to make friends with Austin (Paul Rudd), the affable evening news weatherman who moves in down the street. —Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025

Trump has a complete disregard for laws and expertise, and a unique shamelessness, both of which create fertile soil for inanity. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025

The whole sketch blended melodrama with inanity to great effect. —Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inanity

• humanity
• insanity
• profanity
• urbanity
• christianity
• inhumanity
• sanity
• vanity

Kids Definition

inanity

noun

inan·​i·​ty in-ˈan-ət-ē 

plural inanities

1

: the quality or state of being inane

2

: something inane