crackpot
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.”
How to use crackpot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for a person (or their idea) that is wildly eccentric or unsound.
Informal and dismissive — used to mock, not a neutral description.
Word forms
more crackpot comparative, crackpots plural, most crackpot superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
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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.