delusional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delusional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is holding beliefs or impressions that are contradicted by reality or rational argument, often in a psychological context. Example: "His delusional thinking led him to believe that he was being followed by secret agents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both betray a supreme arrogance toward a Latin American neighbor of the US, a delusional self-confidence, and a tendency to rely on information from the local ruling class, its managers and its politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to some reports, he became paranoid and delusional, insisting everything black be removed from his presence and believing the colour was a harbinger of death.

The Guardian - Film

For people to say you're delusional is very anxiety-provoking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The defence has argued that Routh was delusional and believed Kyle and Littlefield planned to kill him.

The Guardian

"Pretending that there is some painless solution to this is utterly delusional," Hayes said.

The Guardian

Then again, to believe that that lying arab pervert mohammed was a prophet of God you have to be delusional".

The Guardian - Opinion

If you can't see that coming you're a delusional idiot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obama has either let acrimonious feelings for Netanyahu cloud his decisions "or he's delusional", Senator John McCain said on CNN's State of the Union, referring to the president's comments on Friday that Netanyahu's recent disavowal of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict makes it "hard to find a path forward".

The Guardian

Even while Muammar Qaddafi hangs on with delusional determination and Western countries debate whether to enforce a no-fly zone (see article), Libya's oil output has halved, as foreign workers flee and the country fragments.

The Economist

In Cassandra's view, the American neo-con dream of a post-Saddam Iraq spreading democracy throughout the Middle East was always a delusional fantasy.

The Economist

"To act like nothing happened at this stage is simply delusional".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delusional", ensure the context clearly supports the assertion that the person's beliefs are demonstrably false and not merely unconventional or unpopular opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "delusional" as a pejorative term to dismiss opposing viewpoints in debates or discussions. It should be reserved for describing beliefs that are clearly detached from reality, especially in clinical or psychological contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "delusional" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something characterized by delusions, which are fixed false beliefs not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing conditions or states of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "delusional" is an adjective used to describe someone or something characterized by fixed false beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media and scientific contexts. When using "delusional", be sure the context clearly indicates demonstrably false beliefs, not just unconventional opinions, and avoid using it as a simple insult. Alternative phrases include "out of touch with reality" and "having false beliefs", which may be appropriate depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having false beliefs

Focuses on the untrue nature of the beliefs held.

out of touch with reality

Highlights the disconnect from the real world.

irrational

Highlights the lack of logical reasoning.

under an illusion

Implies being deceived by a false impression.

unrealistic

Focuses on the impractical and unachievable nature of beliefs.

gripped by fantasy

Emphasizes the immersive nature of the imagined world.

misguided

Indicates holding incorrect or poorly reasoned beliefs.

hallucinating

Refers to experiencing sensory perceptions that are not real.

lost in a dream world

Suggests a complete detachment from reality.

paranoid

Suggests a state of excessive or irrational suspicion and distrust.

FAQs

How is "delusional" used in a sentence?

The word "delusional" is an adjective that describes someone who holds beliefs that are demonstrably false and out of touch with reality. For example: "The patient's "delusional beliefs" led him to believe he was a historical figure."

What's a less clinical alternative to "delusional"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "unrealistic", "misguided", or "out of touch with reality" to describe someone's beliefs without implying a clinical diagnosis.

When is it appropriate to use the term "delusional"?

It is appropriate to use the term "delusional" when describing beliefs that are demonstrably false and held with strong conviction, despite evidence to the contrary. Use with caution, especially when discussing mental health, and avoid using it casually to dismiss opinions you disagree with.

What's the difference between being "delusional" and being "optimistic"?

Being "optimistic" involves a positive outlook and hope for the future, while being "delusional" involves holding beliefs that are false and not based in reality. Optimism is about interpretation, while delusion is about a fundamental misrepresentation of facts.