: an attitude or belief that something you want to happen will happen even though it is not likely or possible.

What is an example of wishful thinking?

Wishful thinking is believing what you want to be true no matter the evidence or without evidence at all, or assuming something is not true, because you do not want it to be so. Examples: ... I know Henry has been missing for two years, but the thought of him being dead is unbearable.

Is wishful thinking a bad thing?

Wishful thinking allows you to avoid discomfort, stress, change, anxiety, and pressure. It's a lot easier and less stressful to stare at a fake check for a million dollars than it is to work hard. People resort to wishful thinking and magical thinking when they are afraid of bad outcomes.