What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tomfoolery
Example
The children were engaging in some harmless tomfoolery, playing with water guns and chasing each other around. [tomfoolery: noun]
Example
He was always up to some sort of tomfoolery, like putting a whoopee cushion on his friend's chair. [tomfoolery: noun]
foolishness
Example
It was foolishness to invest all his money in a risky business venture. [foolishness: noun]
Example
She regretted her foolishness in trusting a stranger with her personal information. [foolishness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foolishness is more commonly used than tomfoolery in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tomfoolery and foolishness?
Foolishness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while tomfoolery is typically used in informal or lighthearted contexts and may not be appropriate in more formal settings.
