quixotic
What does "quixotic" mean?
The word "quixotic" describes a person or idea that is exceedingly idealistic, impractical, and detached from reality. It draws its name from Don Quixote, the protagonist of Cervantes' novel, who famously sets out to revive chivalry by tilting at windmills, believing them to be fearsome giants. Use this word when you want to highlight that a plan is noble or well-intentioned but fundamentally doomed to fail because it ignores the harsh realities of the world. It is often used to describe grand, romantic, or visionary schemes that lack a logical foundation.
"quixotic" in conversation
Discussing a startup idea
I want to build a platform that eliminates all social media toxicity overnight.
I want to build a platform that eliminates all social media toxicity overnight.
That sounds a bit quixotic, don't you think?
That sounds a bit quixotic, don't you think?
Used to gently critique an overly ambitious plan.
Debating a policy change
The committee insists on banning all cars from the city center by next month.
The committee insists on banning all cars from the city center by next month.
It's a quixotic quest; the infrastructure simply isn't there yet.
It's a quixotic quest; the infrastructure simply isn't there yet.
Highlights the impracticality of a well-meaning goal.
"quixotic" in a sentence
He made a quixotic attempt to change the entire system alone.
He made a quixotic attempt to change the entire system alone.
Their quixotic dream of world peace often ignores the complexities of modern politics.
Their quixotic dream of world peace often ignores the complexities of modern politics.
She embarked on a quixotic crusade against the bureaucracy, armed only with her principles and a broken typewriter.
She embarked on a quixotic crusade against the bureaucracy, armed only with her principles and a broken typewriter.
