imbecility

• Nom désignant un ancien terme clinique pour un degré sévère de déficience intellectuelle, ou une action ou remarque stupide.

A noun referring to an outdated clinical term for a severe level of intellectual disability, or to a foolish or stupid mistake.

1. Severe mental deficiencyC2formal

   A state of intellectual disability that is more severe than a moron but less severe than an idiot.

   imbécillité

   • The condition was historically classified as imbecility.
   • Medical texts from the past used the term imbecility for certain cognitive impairments.
   • The diagnosis of imbecility is now considered outdated and offensive.

   Synonymesamentiafeeblemindedness

2. Stupid mistakeC1formal

   An act or statement that shows a lack of intelligence or good judgment.

   Bêtise, stupidité

   • Leaving the keys in the car was an act of sheer imbecility.
   • His imbecility during the meeting cost the company a major contract.
   • The decision to ignore the warning signs was pure imbecility.

   Synonymesabsurdityblunderfollyfoolishnessgaffeidiocylapsestupidity

   Antonymesintelligencejudgmentsensewisdom