FAR-FETCHED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does far-fetched mean? 

• FAR-FETCHED (adjective)
  The adjective FAR-FETCHED has 2 senses:

1. (of an idea or story) so exaggerated or ludicrous as to be improbable

2. (of a theory or explanation) highly imaginative but unlikely and unconvincing

  Familiarity information: FAR-FETCHED used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FAR-FETCHED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of an idea or story) so exaggerated or ludicrous as to be improbable

Synonyms:

far-fetched; farfetched

Context example:

He was always full of far-fetched plans, none of which ever worked

Similar:

implausible (having a quality that provokes disbelief)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of a theory or explanation) highly imaginative but unlikely and unconvincing

Synonyms:

far-fetched; farfetched

Context example:

a farfetched excuse

Similar:

unlikely (has little chance of being the case or coming about)

 Context examples 

Microbes seem far-fetched at this point, but the other alternative — that the Martian atmosphere contained more oxygen in the past than it does now — seems possible.

(NASA Rover Findings Point to a More Earth-like Martian Past, NASA)

That's far-fetched, I am afraid.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)