Gormless

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈɡɔːmlÉ™s/

Alternative forms

• gaumless, gawmless

Origin

From English dialectal gaum("understanding") + -less("without"), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *gaumaz, *gaumō ("understand"). The ‘r’ found in this spelling is a vowel-lengthening device common in non-rhotic dialects of English.

Full definition of gormless

Adjective

1. (chiefly UK, of a person) Lacking intelligence, sense or discernment, often implying lack of capacity of will to remedy the condition.
2. (British) Inexperienced, naïve, innocent to the point of foolishness.

Synonyms

• (lacking intelligence) dull, slow, stupid
• (inexperienced) inexperienced, naive