adjective C1 Advanced

fanciful

FAN-sihfl

Fanciful (adjective) means Based on imagination rather than fact or reality. Example: “The report dismissed the plan as fanciful and unworkable.”

adjective

Based on imagination rather than fact or reality.

"The report dismissed the plan as fanciful and unworkable."

"She told the children a fanciful tale about talking animals."

How to use fanciful

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishImaginative to the point of being unrealistic or made-up.

Common pairings

fanciful notion fanciful idea

more fanciful comparative, most fanciful superlative

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The report dismissed the plan as _____ and unworkable.

From fancy + -ful.

pitiful dutiful merciful beautiful plentiful bountiful

What does “fanciful” mean?

The word “fanciful” means based on imagination rather than fact or reality. In plain terms, imaginative to the point of being unrealistic or made-up.

How do you pronounce “fanciful”?

“Fanciful” is pronounced FAN-sihfl (/ˈfænsɪfl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “fanciful” in a sentence?

Here is “fanciful” used in a sentence: “The report dismissed the plan as fanciful and unworkable.”

What part of speech is “fanciful”?

“Fanciful” is an adjective.

Vocabulary lists that include fanciful: