Definition
Half-baked (adjective) refers to something that is poorly planned or thought out, and therefore not fully developed or successful. It can also refer to a half-finished or partially completed task or project.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
unfinished, uncompleted, incomplete, insufficient, flawed, faulty, undeveloped, poorly planned, ill-conceived, half-finished, unripe, unformed.
Antonyms
finished, complete, polished, refined, sophisticated, accomplished, mature, fully developed, sound, logical, thorough, well-planned.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | half-baked |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
The CEO’s half-baked plan was not well received by the company’s board members, who criticized its lack of detail and thoroughness.
-
The student gave a rather half-baked presentation that lacked any clear structure or relevant sources.
-
The government’s half-baked policy on climate change has led to mounting criticism from environmentalists and scientists.
-
The recipe was a disaster because the chef had taken a half-baked approach, not following the instructions carefully and making numerous errors.
Usage
The word half-baked is commonly used in informal speech and writing to describe ideas, plans, or projects that are poorly thought out or executed. It can also refer to a lack of thoroughness or attention to detail. The word often has a negative connotation and implies that the subject is incomplete, unsatisfactory, or unreliable.
The word half-baked is a compound adjective made up of the prefix ‘half-’ and the adjective ‘baked’. The prefix ‘half-’ indicates that something is incomplete or only partially done, while ‘baked’ refers to cooking or heating a substance until it is fully done. The word half-baked can also be used as a noun to refer to a person or thing that is unimpressive or lacks substance.
Variations of the word half-baked include ‘half-cooked’, ‘half-finished’, and ‘half-assed’, which are more informal and may have a stronger negative connotation. ‘Half-cocked’ is another variant, which means ill-considered or rash. The word can also be used in a literal sense to refer to food that is not cooked all the way through, although this usage is less common.
Overall, the word half-baked is a useful way to describe incomplete or poorly executed ideas, plans, or projects. It is a descriptive and informal term that is often used in everyday conversation, and its negative connotations make it an effective way to express criticism or dissatisfaction.