Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔːmləs] (IPA) 
"Gormless" is a British English term meaning "lacking intelligence, clueless or foolish". The spelling can be confusing because it looks like it should be pronounced with a hard "g" sound. However, the word is pronounced with a soft "g" as in "gorge" and rhymes with "formless". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈɡɔːmlɪs/. The etymology of this word is uncertain, but it has been in use since the early 1900s.
Gormless is an adjective that describes a person or an individual who lacks intelligence, comprehension, or common sense. The word is primarily used in British English and is informal in nature.
A gormless person is often perceived as dull-witted, clueless, or vacant, often displaying a lack of awareness or understanding. They may exhibit a general incompetence in handling situations or making rational decisions. Gormless individuals may struggle to grasp or comprehend even the simplest concepts or instructions. Their actions and conversations may seem awkward, clumsy, or lacking in substance.
The term gormless suggests a deficiency in mental acuity or cognitive abilities. It implies a lack of perception, judgment, or the ability to reason effectively. It is important to note that being gormless is not necessarily a permanent trait, as it may be situational or temporary based on circumstances or context.
Gormless is often used colloquially to express disappointment, frustration, or annoyance towards someone who consistently fails to grasp an idea or repeatedly acts foolishly. It is used to describe a person's lack of intellect or awareness without being overly offensive or derogatory. However, it is essential to exercise caution while using the term, as it can potentially be considered as a derogatory or offensive remark depending on the context and the sensitivity of the person being described.
The word "gormless" is a British slang term that means lacking intelligence or common sense, or being clueless or foolish. It is derived from the word "gorm" which itself originated from the Old Norse term "gaumr" meaning "attention" or "heed". Over time, "gorm" developed into "gormless" to describe someone as lacking attention or intelligence. The term gained popularity in English dialects, particularly in British slang, in the early 20th century.
