utterly delusional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly delusional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has completely unrealistic beliefs or perceptions about reality. Example: "His claims about being able to fly without any assistance are utterly delusional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

Like most MPs, she is utterly delusional when it comes to the political class.

The Guardian - Books

So far, though, the least of the problems with what Romney said is that he seems to be utterly delusional.

The New Yorker

We'd be incredibly irresponsible, if not utterly delusional, if we suggested to him that this was a smart move.

The New York Times

"If the chancellor thinks he could pass such a punishment budget through the House of Commons he is utterly delusional.

The Guardian

It is, in other words, possible to construct an intricate scenario that is both cautiously inferential, richly detailed, on its own terms complete, and yet utterly delusional.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Gore has described geoengineering as "insane, utterly mad and delusional in the extreme". But it's starting to look delusional to think humans will be able to curtail carbon emissions quickly enough to keep the average global surface temperature from rising more than 2ºC, the level at which scientists anticipate catastrophic impacts.

Forbes

When Yuki realises that she "couldn't countenance a permanent separation" from her mother, it is both delusional and utterly true.

Independent

It's arguable that any movie about poker and gambling which doesn't clearly show the participants being utterly destroyed by their delusional addictive dreams isn't playing straight with its audience.

The Guardian - Film

Unfortunately, Simpson's red pill doesn't live it up to the red pill promise: his dose of "reality" renders him not just dangerously delusional, but so utterly at odds with nature and reality of any kind that he will forget to breathe unless he counteracts the pill's effects.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As the monstrous, tragic, annoying, delusional Rupert Pupkin, he is utterly transfixing, and his unhinged obsession with the cult of celebrity made the film hugely prescient.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly delusional", ensure the context clearly establishes the extreme disconnect from reality you intend to convey. The phrase is most effective when describing beliefs or actions that are not just mistaken, but fundamentally irrational.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly delusional" to describe opinions or preferences you disagree with. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can come across as overly aggressive or dismissive. Reserve it for genuinely extreme and irrational beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly delusional" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as completely divorced from reality or reason. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show it used to describe political statements, personal beliefs, and even character traits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly delusional" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something as completely out of touch with reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, to express strong disagreement or disbelief. While its register is generally neutral, it carries a strong negative connotation, so careful consideration of the audience and context is advised. Related phrases, such as "completely misguided" or "totally unrealistic", can offer nuanced alternatives. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants the strong disconnect from reality it conveys, avoiding overuse in mild situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally unrealistic

Emphasizes the lack of alignment with reality.

completely irrational

Focuses on the lack of logical thought.

completely misguided

Focuses on the flawed reasoning behind the delusion, rather than the state itself.

wholly detached from reality

Stresses the separation from the real world.

patently absurd

Highlights the obvious foolishness of the delusion.

absolutely preposterous

Highlights the outrageous nature of the delusion.

thoroughly deceived

Emphasizes the state of being misled.

manifestly false

Highlights the clear and evident untruth.

entirely fantastical

Focuses on the imaginary and unrealistic nature.

pure fantasy

Stresses the unreal, dreamlike quality.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly delusional" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly delusional" to describe someone's beliefs or actions that are completely divorced from reality. For instance, "His claims about being able to time travel are "utterly delusional"".

What are some alternatives to "utterly delusional"?

Alternatives include "completely misguided", "totally unrealistic", or "patently absurd", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utterly delusional" a formal or informal phrase?

"Utterly delusional" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it carries a strong negative connotation. Consider the audience and the level of formality required before using it.

What's the difference between "delusional" and "utterly delusional"?

Adding "utterly" intensifies the meaning of "delusional", emphasizing the extreme degree of unreality or irrationality. "Utterly delusional" suggests a complete and profound disconnection from reality, while "delusional" may imply a less severe state.