blue-sky

American  

[bloo-skahy] / ˈbluˈskaɪ /

adjective

1. fanciful; impractical.

   blue-sky ideas.

2. (especially of securities) having dubious value; not financially sound.

   a blue-sky stock.

---

blue-sky British  

noun

1. (modifier) of or denoting theoretical research without regard to any future application of its result

   a blue-sky project

---

verb

1. to theorize (about something that may not lead to any practical application)

Etymology

Origin of blue-sky

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blue-sky

Both come at a premium to Bodycote’s share-price lows, but the valuation of the U.K. industrial company could be above 1,000 pence a share—or 1.7 billion pounds—under a blue-sky scenario, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Sillie posted a second video, the cellphone panning to the ruins against a blue-sky backdrop.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

For hours on a crisp, blue-sky day, kite flyers mingled with sign-wavers, sharing space on the National Mall as they pursued their dueling missions.

From Barron's ● Mar. 28, 2026

At the time Higgs, who has since passed away, said in a statement: "I hope this recognition of fundamental science will help raise awareness of the value of blue-sky research."

From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2026

I reach for a blue-sky pencil, but pick up midnight black instead.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord

Related Words

• absurd
• bizarre
• extravagant
• fantastic
• fantastical
• fictional
• imaginative
• offbeat
• preposterous
• unreal
• whimsical