What does quixotry mean?
Quixotry is the noun for pursuing a goal that is more strongly guided by idealism, romance, or personal conviction than by practical considerations. It can describe the pursuit itself, as in a campaign described as an act of quixotry, or the kind of behaviour that makes a project impractical. The word often has a mildly critical implication: it suggests that the person involved may be noble-hearted but unrealistic, or that the objective is fanciful and unlikely to succeed. In some contexts, however, quixotry can be used almost approvingly, especially when a person’s impractical ideals are presented as admirable or heroic. The term is closely associated with Don Quixote, the character in Cervantes’s novel who continues his idealized quests despite obvious defeats. Quixotry is therefore useful for describing ideals that inspire effort while also remaining disconnected from practical reality.
nounThe pursuit of an idealistic or romantic goal that is impractical, unrealistic, or excessively idealistic. It often implies behaviour guided by noble but fanciful principles.
- Behaviour or a pursuit characterized by excessively idealistic, fanciful, or impractical aims.
"His attempt to restore the castle was dismissed as sentimental quixotry."
"The expedition was an expensive exercise in quixotry."
"She dismissed the scheme as the product of youthful quixotry."
The plural is quixotries, with the ending changing to -ries.
"The novel explores the heroic quixotries of people who refuse to abandon their ideals."
Quixotry entered English through the famously impractical adventures of Don Quixote, whose idealism inspired both admiration and ridicule.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quixotry
The word comes through French quixoterie, from the name Don Quixote, the idealistic protagonist of Miguel de Cervantes’s Spanish novel. It entered English in the early 17th century and initially referred more broadly to foolish or fanciful behaviour before settling into its modern association with impractical idealism. Its Spanish ancestor is linked to the historical figure Don Quixote, whose name is traditionally derived from Quixote, a place in northern Spain.
Related word forms
How quixotry is actually used
The word is generally formal or literary and carries a mildly critical tone, although it can be used more admiringly when the impracticality is treated as heroic or admirable. It is more common in British and American English than in casual speech.
Easily confused with quixotry
Quixotry is the noun naming an impractical or idealistic pursuit, while quixotic is the adjective describing a person, action, or ideal characterized by such impracticality.