Quixotic: meaning, definitions and examples

Best suited for describing overly idealistic actions or plans that are unrealistic and impractical, often romantic or noble in nature but unlikely to succeed.

• His quixotic quest to abolish world hunger within a year was admirable but unattainable.
• She had a quixotic dream of traveling the world in a hot air balloon.

Used when someone has high ideals or principles and strives to achieve them, even if they might be challenging or impractical.

• Her idealistic vision of a society without poverty inspired many.
• Despite the challenges, he remained idealistic about making positive changes in the company.

Applicable to situations, plans, or ideas that are not feasible or realistic in practice, often because they are too difficult to implement.

• His strategy for solving the issue was well-intentioned but ultimately impractical.
• The proposal, while creative, was deemed impractical by the board.

Used when describing something that is not based on what is real or achievable, often implying a lack of understanding of reality.

• Her expectations for the project were completely unrealistic given the timeline.
• Promising a 50% return on investment is unrealistic and could mislead clients.

Use 'quixotic' to describe someone or something that is exceedingly idealistic or unrealistic, especially in a way that is noble but impractical.

• His quixotic quest to eliminate pollution from the entire world seemed noble but unreachable.
• Starting a nonprofit with no funds was a quixotic dream.

Use 'impractical' to describe ideas, plans, or actions that are not sensible or realistic in a given context, often because they are difficult to implement.

• Buying a sports car seemed impractical for someone who lives in a city with heavy traffic.
• Her plan to travel the world without any savings was impractical.

Use 'unrealistic' to describe something that is not practical or sensible, often because it is not based on what is actually possible.

• His expectations of becoming a millionaire overnight were completely unrealistic.
• It's unrealistic to think you can finish this project in one day.

Use 'romantic' to describe ideas or actions that are idealistic or focused on love and deep emotions, often without concern for practicality or realism.

• He had a romantic notion of quitting his job and moving to a paradise island.
• She had always been a romantic, believing in love at first sight.