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

Words of wisdom—and inanity Psaki’s mother’s advice is surely sage, unlike some other words of wisdom Psaki’s received over the years. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024

And in all its inanity, it was still rooted in Kendall’s love for his father. —Amos Barshad, WIRED, 26 May 2023

The one, glaring inequity that Patrice and Gary still face, however, is that—because of the inanity of US law—they cannot get married without losing their disability benefits. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024

The doctrine of fetal personhood—which says that a full human life begins at the fertilization of an egg—has obvious legal inanities built in regarding taxes, insurance, litigation, etc. —Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 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