English

Alternative forms

• gaumlessness (rare)

Noun

gormlessness ‎(uncountable)

1. The quality or state of being gormless.
   • 2009, Uneasy Partners: Multiculturalism and Rights in Canada (ISBN 1554587972), page 72:

     One might contend that public perceptions of the gormlessness of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) plus the amateurish conduct of the suspected conspirators might explain [it].

   • 2012, James Wakely, Mad Or Bad?: A Few Thumbnail Sketches (ISBN 147721481X), page 211:

     The facial expression can be mask-like, almost frozen in an attitude which may suggest dissatisfaction, surly sulkiness, hatred, resentment, sadness or possibly just general gormlessness.

   • (Can we date this quote?), Frank Key, Gravitas, Punctilio, Rectitude & Pippy Bags, page 131:

     Nevertheless he began to feel off colour and when, eventually, the venom reached his brain it had the effect of increasing, rather than alleviating, his gormlessness.