What does monomaniacal mean?
Monomaniacal describes a person, idea, or activity dominated by one obsession to an excessive or unreasonable degree. The word often implies that the fixation excludes other interests, evidence, or points of view, giving it a critical and sometimes derogatory tone. It is commonly associated with an unwavering pursuit of a single theory, project, artistic vision, or personal objective. Although the emphasis is on extreme concentration, monomaniacal is not simply a synonym for enthusiastic: the characteristic implication is that the devotion has become excessive or inflexible. In more neutral contexts, words such as dedicated, single-minded, and focused may be more appropriate. The adjective is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation but remains useful in formal and literary discussion for describing unusually obsessive forms of thought or action.
adjectiveObsessed with one idea, interest, or course of action to an excessive or unreasonable degree. It can also describe someone whose devotion to a single subject leaves little room for other perspectives.
- Obsessed with a single idea, interest, or undertaking to an excessive or unreasonable degree.
"His monomaniacal pursuit of perfection transformed the project into an endless cycle of revisions."
"The researcher became increasingly monomaniacal in his insistence on defending the original theory."
"Critics regarded the proposal as a monomaniacal attempt to remake the entire system."
A monomaniacal mind can turn an ordinary pursuit into a cause with no off switch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monomaniacal come from?
The word combines the combining form monomaniac, meaning “a person obsessed with one idea,” with the suffix -al. Monomaniac itself derives from mono-, from Greek monos meaning “one,” and mania, from Greek mania meaning “madness” or “excessive enthusiasm.” Together, these elements express a single-minded form of madness or obsession. The broader Greek root mono- also underlies forms such as monopoly and monogram.
Related word forms
How monomaniacal is actually used
The term is usually critical or disparaging and suggests an intensity that is excessive, inflexible, or difficult to question. It can be formal or literary and is less common in neutral everyday speech.
Easily confused with monomaniacal
Monomaniacal is normally an adjective describing an idea, person, or activity, while monomaniac usually denotes a person fixated on one idea.