illusory dream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illusory dream" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a dream or hope that is not achievable or that turns out to be false. For example, "Her dream to marry a famous celebrity turned out to be an illusory dream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Working toward the centers of raw plywood panels, he layers grisaille glazes over loose, swirling pencil lines, creating murky depths, serpentine biomorphic forms and tension between illusory dream space and the raw immediacy of paint and wood (Johnson).

The New York Times - Arts

George and Lennie, an unlikely duo, wend their way from farm to farm in search of work, bound together by an illusory dream of "a little house, and a couple of acres and a cow and some pigs... and rabbits in the cages... and thick cream, you can hardly cut it".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, they become data pack rats, chasing an illusory dream of one-to-one marketing, which he says "is a myth.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

BURG MIGHEIZIL, Egypt — In the raggedy fishing village of Burg Migheizil on Egypt's north coast, where the mighty Nile pours silently into the sea, restless teenage boys are plotting their escape, lured by illusory dreams of money and glamour.

The New York Times

In the despairing, wheedling form of Tommy Wilhelm, Bellow creates an icon for a modern America in spiritual crisis, consumed by illusory dreams of success and staggering towards horrified self-awareness.

The Guardian - Books

And if Reprise is a bit too busy admiring itself in the mirror to rank alongside the best of Truffaut or Godard, it's still a lovely bit of ephemera - a rueful tale of illusory dreams and inconsequential fame that zips by in an eye-blink.

The Guardian - Film

To fight our propensity to cherish illusory dreams of happiness (somnium umbrae and umbra somnii), Cardano recommends us to become more aware of the precarious nature of the human condition (humana fragilitas) and to increase our level of self-mastery.

SEP

Lyrically, it discusses American culture and greed, focusing on Hollywood as a place of pop stars and illusory dreams.

Wikipedia

Lyrically, like the first track, it discusses American culture and greed focusing on Hollywood, California, as a place of stars and illusory dreams.

Wikipedia

"Hollywood" is a dance-pop and folk rock song that lyrically discusses American culture and greed, focusing on Hollywood, California, as a place of pop stars and illusory dreams.

Wikipedia

But when it comes to his second-term legacy, I'm not sure anyone in the White House is privileging the possibly-illusory hope of a major immigration reform compromise and the almost-certainly-illusory dream of a major cap-and-trade bill over what they're trying to win on taxes in the here and now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "illusory dream" to convey a sense of disappointment or disillusionment when a cherished hope proves to be false or unattainable. This highlights the contrast between expectation and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "illusory dream" simply to describe any dream or aspiration. The phrase specifically denotes a dream that is deceptive, false, or impossible to achieve, not just an unlikely one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illusory dream" functions as a noun phrase, where "illusory" modifies the noun "dream". It characterizes a dream as deceptive or unreal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illusory dream" is a grammatically correct way to describe a dream or hope that is ultimately deceptive or unattainable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English, with examples found in news articles and academic texts. While the phrase isn't very common, it effectively conveys a sense of disappointment when expectations don't align with reality. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "false hope" or "delusive fantasy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, the key to effectively using "illusory dream" is to denote a dream that is inherently misleading or impossible, rather than simply improbable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false hope

Focuses on the deceptive aspect of a dream or expectation.

delusive fantasy

Highlights the misleading and unrealistic nature of the dream.

empty promise

Emphasizes the lack of fulfillment associated with the dream.

fleeting illusion

Underscores the temporary and unreal quality of the dream.

unfounded aspiration

Stresses the lack of a solid basis for the dream.

chimerical scheme

Implies that the dream is wildly fanciful and unrealistic.

unattainable vision

Highlights the impossibility of achieving the dream.

specious ambition

Suggests the dream is deceptively attractive but ultimately worthless.

hollow expectation

Emphasizes the lack of substance or fulfillment in the dream.

groundless optimism

Focuses on the unwarranted positivity associated with the dream.

FAQs

How can I use "illusory dream" in a sentence?

You can use "illusory dream" to describe a hope or ambition that seems appealing but ultimately proves to be false or unattainable. For example, "His pursuit of fame turned out to be an "illusory dream"."

What's a good alternative to "illusory dream"?

Alternatives to "illusory dream" include "false hope", "delusive fantasy", or "empty promise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "illusory dream" formal or informal?

"Illusory dream" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in written or slightly elevated language.

What makes a dream "illusory"?

A dream is "illusory" when it presents a false or deceptive picture of reality, leading to disappointment upon realization that it cannot be achieved or was never what it seemed.