online vocabulary.com

Crackpot - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A crackpot is a person who holds eccentric or wildly impractical ideas, often considered foolish or unrealistic by others. The term is used informally to describe someone with bizarre or irrational beliefs.

crackpot

/ˈkrækˌpɑt/ /ˈkrækˌpɒt/

Definition:

An eccentric or foolish person with unconventional or absurd ideas.

Synonyms:

crank, nutcase, loon, oddball

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

sane person, rationalist

Common Collocations:

crackpot theory, crackpot idea, crackpot inventor

Derivatives:

crackpottery, crackpots

Usage Tips:

Use "crackpot" informally to describe someone with bizarre or impractical ideas, often humorously or dismissively.

Common Phrases:

crackpot scheme, crackpot scientist, off one's rocker

Etymology:

Originated in the late 19th century from "crack" (crazy) + "pot" (head), implying a broken mind.

Examples:

  • 1. He dismissed the conspiracy theorist as a crackpot.
  • 2. The old man was labeled a crackpot for his wild inventions.
  • 3. Don’t listen to that crackpot—his ideas make no sense!
  • 4. She laughed at the crackpot’s absurd predictions about aliens.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS