1. a person of moderate to severe intellectual disability
Usage: archaic; medical term, now considered offensive
2. a very foolish person
Usage: informal; often considered offensive

1. showing a lack of intelligence; foolish
Usage: informal; often considered offensive

Examples

• The old medical classification system used terms like imbecile that are now considered outdated.
• Don’t be such an imbecile – think before you act.
• His imbecile behavior at the meeting embarrassed everyone.
• She regretted calling him an imbecile in anger.
• The comedian’s imbecile character made the audience laugh.
• That was an imbecile decision that cost the company millions.