What does utopian mean?
Utopian describes an idealised vision of how society, government, or everyday life might be, usually one that is perfect or exceptionally desirable but difficult or impossible to achieve. The adjective can be broadly approving, as in “a utopian vision of communal living,” but often carries a sceptical implication that the proposal ignores practical constraints. As a noun, a utopian is someone who holds or advocates such an ideal, particularly an ideal political or social system. The word comes from Thomas More's Utopia, a work published in 1516 that presented an ideal society through an imagined island. Utopia was Latinised from Greek words meaning “not” and “place,” and the name subsequently became a general term for perfect societies. Today, “utopian” remains useful because it captures both the appeal of an ambitious ideal and the suspicion that it may be unrealisable.
Describing an idealised or imagined society, plan, or condition that is considered perfect or highly desirable, especially when it is unlikely to be realised.
"The committee dismissed the scheme as utopian and insisted on a more affordable plan."
It can express admiration for an inspiring ideal, but it often implies that the ideal is impractical or unrealistic.
A person who believes in or advocates an idealised political or social system.
"Despite setbacks, he remained an incurable utopian."
The noun usually has a critical or mildly ironic tone and refers especially to political and social idealists.
The plural is used for people who advocate utopian ideals; it is uncommon compared with the adjectival use.
"The novel portrays a group of utopians attempting to create a perfect community."
Thomas More's Utopia, published in 1516, gave the world a perfect word for a society that exists mainly in the imagination.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does utopian come from?
Utopian developed from Utopia, the title of Thomas More's book published in 1516. More's name was taken from Greek οὐ τόπος, meaning “not” or “no place,” and was Latinised as Utopia, a fanciful form of the Greek word for a place. The adjective and noun meaning an idealist or advocate of an ideal society emerged in the early 17th century, with related forms such as utopianism and eutopia sharing the same Greek and Latin roots.
Related word forms
How utopian is actually used
Utopian often carries a mildly critical implication that a vision is impractical or excessively idealistic, though it can also be used approvingly. As a noun, it usually refers to someone who advocates an ideal political or social system.
Easily confused with utopian
Utopia is an ideal place or condition, while utopian is usually an adjective describing such an ideal or, as a noun, a person who envisions one.