Dictionary
wishful thinking
noun
: an attitude or belief that something you want to happen will happen even though it is not likely or possible
Full Definition of WISHFUL THINKING
: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe
See wishful thinking defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of WISHFUL THINKING
1932
Learn More About WISHFUL THINKING
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: wishingPrevious Word in the Dictionary: wishful thinkerAll Words Near: wishful thinking
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up wishful thinking? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).