Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

fool's errand

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.78 in modern English

Syllables: fool's er-rand
IPA

15

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

2

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.

noun

Such an undertaking, assigned as a prank.

Example Sentences

"If I were to travel only that I might be discontented with that which I can get at home, methinks I should go but on a fool's errand."
"Shultz took little notice of the Soviet view or that of others who said his Middle East mission was a fool's errand. "You can't be too afraid of failing," said the 67-year-old diplomat."
"Meronyms: blinker fluid, key to the midway, left-handed monkey wrench, muffler bearing, skyhook"
"Near-synonym: wild-goose chase"

Etymology

First use apppears c. the 18th century.

Inflected Forms

fools' errands (plural)

Synonyms

idiot's errand lost errand sleeveless errand wild-goose chase snipe hunt

Questions

What does fool's errand mean?: A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.
Where does fool's errand come from?: First use apppears c. the 18th century.

How to pronounce fool's errand

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