English · Word Candidate

hypothetical

/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: hypotheticals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Based upon a hypothesis; conjectural.

Adjective

Examples

Such a subjunctive as appears in the principal clause (i.e. the apodosis) of a conditional sentence may be called a hypothetical subjunctive. An hypothetical subjunctive expresses an action¹ which, while its non-occurrence is implied, is yet supposed to occur, if some other action occur.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Conditional; contingent upon some hypothesis/antecedent.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A possible or hypothetical situation or proposition.

Noun

Examples

These hypotheticals serve no purpose until we have more information.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “hypothetical” mean?

Based upon a hypothesis; conjectural.

Is “hypothetical” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.