delusional

American  

[dih-loo-zhuh-nl] / dɪˈlu ʒə nl /

Sometimes delusionary

adjective

1. having false or unrealistic beliefs or opinions.

   Senators who think they will get agreement on a comprehensive tax bill are delusional.

2. Psychiatry. maintaining fixed false beliefs even when confronted with facts, usually as a result of mental illness.

   He was so delusional and paranoid that he thought everybody was conspiring against him.

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Etymology

Origin of delusional

First recorded in 1850–60; delusion ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

But they also assume anyone who disagrees with them is incompetent, delusional or even a saboteur, so they reject their opinions and ideas out of hand.

From The Wall Street Journal

Paul, whose limited ring record includes 12 wins and one defeat with seven knockouts, insists he is ready to shock the world while acknowledging his ambitions are "delusional."

From Barron's

Most Americans don’t like being told that they’re delusional or stupid or that their children should learn to make do with fewer dolls on Christmas.

From The Wall Street Journal

“In a time of unimaginable hubris, gross incompetence and failures of leadership across the Agency, this has to be one of the most delusional emails I have seen to date,” Pearson wrote.

From Salon

Adrian is delusional about his own gifts; Mia is unsure of hers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• unrealistic