half-baked

adjective

ˈhaf-ˈbākt How to pronounce half-baked (audio)
ˈhäf-
1
a
: poorly developed or carried out
a half-baked idea
half-baked research
b
: lacking adequate planning or forethought
a half-baked scheme for getting rich
c
: lacking in judgment, intelligence, or common sense
2
: imperfectly baked : underdone

Examples of half-baked in a Sentence

he's always got some half-baked "solution" to a difficult, complex problem
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The stock market reaction underscores just how significant these risks of prolonged uncertainty and half-baked tariffs are. Saul Mangel, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2025 The intentionally half-baked approach to Season 2 foreshadows an overstuffed and potentially controversial third season, the emotional effect of which will be dulled by the likely long hiatus (Season 1 premiered in January 2023). Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 The attacks often felt rather simple in scope, half-baked and frustrating to deal with, with luck driving my success far more than skill. Sarah Thwaites, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025 Others, like a tablet controller or glasses-free stereoscopic 3D, are rightly remembered as half-baked gimmicks that belong in the dustbin of game industry history. ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for half-baked

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-baked was in 1621

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Cite this Entry

“Half-baked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-baked. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

half-baked

adjective
-ˈbākt
1
a
: poorly developed or carried out
a half-baked plan
b
: lacking in judgment or common sense
half-baked ideas
2
: imperfectly baked : underdone
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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