noun
crackpot
KRAK-pot
Crackpot (noun) means someone seen as eccentric or foolish, especially for holding strange or unfounded beliefs. Example: “The scientist was dismissed as a crackpot until his theory was later proven.”
noun
1
Someone seen as eccentric or foolish, especially for holding strange or unfounded beliefs.
"The scientist was dismissed as a crackpot until his theory was later proven."
"Online forums are full of crackpots pushing conspiracy theories."
adjective
1
Eccentric, impractical, or absurd.
"He came up with another crackpot scheme to get rich quick."
How to use crackpot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for a person (or their idea) that is wildly eccentric or unsound.
When to use it
Informal and dismissive — used to mock, not a neutral description.
Common pairings
crackpot theory
crackpot scheme
crackpot idea
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Word forms
- Plural
- crackpots
- Comparative
- more crackpot
- Superlative
- most crackpot
Fill the gap
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The scientist was dismissed as a _____ until his theory was later proven.
Etymology
Probably built from crack (as in "crack-brained") plus pot, likening an unstable mind to a cracked pot.
Related words
Rhymes for crackpot
See all rhymes for crackpot →Frequently asked questions
What does “crackpot” mean?
The word “crackpot” means someone seen as eccentric or foolish, especially for holding strange or unfounded beliefs. In plain terms, a word for a person (or their idea) that is wildly eccentric or unsound.
How do you pronounce “crackpot”?
“Crackpot” is pronounced KRAK-pot (/ˈkɹæk.pɒt/ in IPA).
How do you use “crackpot” in a sentence?
Here is “crackpot” used in a sentence: “The scientist was dismissed as a crackpot until his theory was later proven.”
What part of speech is “crackpot”?
Depending on how it is used, “crackpot” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “crackpot” have?
“Crackpot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone seen as eccentric or foolish, especially for holding strange or unfounded beliefs.
