Nincompoop: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Nincompoop noun. A silly or foolish person.
How to say it
NING-kum-poop/ˈnɪŋkəmpuːp/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (NING).
Nincompoop in a sentence
Some nincompoop has parked across both spaces again.
I felt a complete nincompoop when I realised the door said pull.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- fool
- idiot
- dimwit
- ninny
Where nincompoop comes from
First recorded in the late 17th century; its origin is unknown.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
I felt a complete _____ when I realised the door said pull.
- whippersnapper
- guffaw
- nincompoop
Show the answer
nincompoop: I felt a complete nincompoop when I realised the door said pull.