unidealistic
Without lofty hopes
Unidealistic describes someone who lacks or rejects idealism—the tendency to pursue noble principles or envision how things ought to be.
An unidealistic person focuses on practical realities rather than lofty aspirations, often viewing idealism as naive or impractical.
Her unidealistic approach to politics meant she cared more about what worked than what sounded good.
The word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a deficit of vision or hope.
Suited for real use
- realisticTrue to life
- hardheadedStubbornly unyielding or practical
- hard-nosedStubbornly realistic, unsentimental
- tough-mindedResolute and unsentimental
unsentimental · shrewd · expedient · no-nonsense · down-to-earth · matter-of-fact · commonsensical · sensible
Inclined to question claims
- pessimisticExpecting negative outcomes
- disillusionedFreed from false beliefs
- jadedDulled by overindulgence
- disenchantedLost one's illusions
world-weary · distrustful · bitter · sardonic · scornful · mocking · derisive · contemptuous
Desiring material gain
- worldlyExperienced in practical affairs
- mercenarySoldier fighting for pay
- self-interestedConcerned with personal gain
- greedyExcessively wanting more
ambitious · status-seeking · consumerist · venal · calculating · covetous · avaricious · self-serving
practical
Suited for real use
- realisticTrue to life
- hardheadedStubbornly unyielding or practical
- hard-nosedStubbornly realistic, unsentimental
tough-minded · unsentimental · shrewd · expedient · no-nonsense · down-to-earth · matter-of-fact · commonsensical · sensible · businesslike
skeptical
Inclined to question claims
- pessimisticExpecting negative outcomes
- disillusionedFreed from false beliefs
- jadedDulled by overindulgence
disenchanted · world-weary · distrustful · bitter · sardonic · scornful · mocking · derisive · contemptuous · misanthropic
acquisitive
Desiring material gain
- worldlyExperienced in practical affairs
- mercenarySoldier fighting for pay
- self-interestedConcerned with personal gain
greedy · ambitious · status-seeking · consumerist · venal · calculating · covetous · avaricious · self-serving · opportunistic
unidealisticutopian
Impractically perfect in conception
impractical · pie-in-the-sky · naive · unworldly · unrealistic
ideal, ideals, idealistic, ideally, idealism, idealize, idealist, idealization