What does monomaniac mean?
A monomaniac is a person dominated by a single idea, interest, or activity, often to the exclusion of broader judgment and other responsibilities. The term usually carries a critical implication: it suggests not merely enthusiasm or expertise, but an unbalanced and potentially obsessive fixation. Monomaniac can also function as an adjective, although "monomaniacal" is more usual in modern writing and describes an obsession, pursuit, or focus. In historical and psychological contexts, related words such as "monomania" refer to the condition itself rather than the person affected by it. The word remains recognizable in English because it vividly expresses a familiar human tendency to become consumed by one project, conviction, or pursuit. Its force comes from this balance: it identifies extraordinary commitment while also suggesting a loss of perspective and proportion.
A person whose thoughts or conduct are dominated by one idea, interest, or activity to the exclusion of other concerns.
"The inventor was regarded as a monomaniac because he refused to abandon his design."
Usually critical or disapproving; it implies excessive fixation rather than ordinary enthusiasm.
Characterized by an obsessive focus on a single idea, interest, or activity.
"The team's monomaniac attention to presentation obscured more important technical problems."
This attributive use is relatively uncommon; "monomaniacal" is the more usual adjective.
The usual plural for a person characterized by an obsessive fixation.
"The novel portrays isolated geniuses and obsessive monomaniacs whose narrow commitments bring both achievement and disaster."
Calling someone a monomaniac shifts attention from the disputed idea to the person who has allowed it to become the center of their world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monomaniac come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from Greek mono-, meaning "single," and "maniac," itself derived through Latin and French from Greek mania, meaning "madness" or "frenzy." It belongs to the same learned vocabulary as "monomania," a term used earlier for an excessive monomaniacal obsession. The modern adjective "monomaniacal" developed from the same roots and is now more common than the attributive use of "monomaniac."
Related word forms
How monomaniac is actually used
The noun is generally critical, implying that the fixation is excessive or unbalanced. As an adjective, the term is less common and more literary than the regularly formed "monomaniacal."
Easily confused with monomaniac
A monomaniac is a person dominated by one obsession, whereas monomania names the excessive or pathological preoccupation itself.