# deluded

/dɪˈɫudɪd/ (US) · /dɪlˈuːdɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deluded
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

believing something that is clearly not true. You use this to describe someone who is tricking themselves into thinking they are more successful or talented than they really are.

For teachers: maintaining a belief that is contradicted by reality or rational argument. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.

## Examples

- He is deluded if he thinks he can win without practicing.
- The manager remained deluded about the company's finances even as the bank prepared to close their accounts.
- Critics argued the director was deluded by his own early success, leading him to ignore the structural flaws that ultimately doomed his final production.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he deluded that he was rich" but "he was deluded to think he was rich" — In modern usage, 'deluded' is primarily an adjective describing a state; using it as a past tense verb without an object is a common error.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows linking verbs; frequently modified by adverbs like 'completely', 'utterly', or 'dangerously'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.