Word
wishful
Phoneticswish·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪʃfəɫ/
UK/wˈɪʃfəl/
Definition
adj. describing a hope for something that is not likely to happen. You use it when someone believes something because they want it to be true, not because it is realistic.
adj. characterised by a desire for something that is improbable or impossible. Often used to describe thoughts or beliefs based on hope rather than evidence.
Examples
“Thinking I will win the lottery is just wishful thinking.”
“The manager's plan to double sales in one month was dismissed as wishful thinking by the experienced staff.”
“Despite the harsh economic data, the investors maintained a wishful outlook, hoping for a sudden market correction that would save their failing portfolios.”
Examples
simple
“Thinking I will win the lottery is just wishful thinking.”
contextual
“The manager's plan to double sales in one month was dismissed as wishful thinking by the experienced staff.”
complex
“Despite the harsh economic data, the investors maintained a wishful outlook, hoping for a sudden market correction that would save their failing portfolios.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the fixed collocation 'wishful thinking', where it functions as a modifier for the noun.
Real-World Examples
“Professor Benders says that talking about them in connection with computers is wishful thinking – something which is unlikely to happen.” Etymology
From wish + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. wishful thinking
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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