far-fetched

American  

[fahr-fecht] / ˈfɑrˈfɛtʃt /

Or farfetched

adjective

1. improbable; not naturally pertinent; being only remotely connected; forced; strained.

   He brought in a far-fetched example in an effort to prove his point.

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far-fetched British  

adjective

1. improbable in nature; unlikely

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Other Word Forms

• far-fetchedness
  noun
• farfetchedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of far-fetched

First recorded in 1575–85

Explanation

Something far-fetched is imaginative but very unlikely. It's a lot easier to think of than to do. Our brains can think of all sorts of ideas. Some are realistic, like going to the store or getting married. Others are far-fetched: A far-fetched idea or plan is implausible because there's very little chance it will happen. Flying to Jupiter is far-fetched. Marrying a movie star is a far-fetched idea, and so is becoming a movie star. Far-fetched things aren't necessarily impossible, but they're very unlikely. Children are especially good at coming up with far-fetched notions because of their powerful imaginations. Note that this word is sometimes unhyphenated as farfetched.

Example Sentences

But many Western leaders see such a scenario as far fetched.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

"It sounds far fetched but if you want to do something, do it and get involved especially in traditions like this, which I think are really important to carry on."

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2024

One global warming solution that was once considered far fetched is now being taken more seriously: geoengineering.

From National Geographic • Feb. 14, 2024

Their relevant actions are groundless accusations, far fetched, and lack professionalism.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 30, 2023

The idea seemed far fetched, and yet—she heard Mr. Phelps' voice, urging her to come, and rather half-heartedly she agreed to do so.

From The Ivory Snuff Box by Kummer, Frederic Arnold