Nostrum
noun
A suggested solution for a problem, especially one that is not very likely to be successful.
His simplistic nostrum for dealing with unemployment is to cut taxes.
Often appears as...
- simplistic nostrum
- political nostrum
noun
A medicine, especially one that is not considered effective, prepared by an unqualified person.
He tried a variety of nostrums but his cough did not go away.
Often appears as...
- try a nostrum
- sell a nostrum
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A suggested solution for a problem, especially one that is not very likely to be successful.
His simplistic nostrum for dealing with unemployment is to cut taxes.
Often appears as...
- simplistic nostrum
- political nostrum
noun
A medicine, especially one that is not considered effective, prepared by an unqualified person.
He tried a variety of nostrums but his cough did not go away.
Often appears as...
- try a nostrum
- sell a nostrum
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Suggestive Tone
Nostrum often implies the solution might be oversimplified or not serious.
His nostrum for improving education was just to 'make classes fun.'
Pro Tip 2/3Potentially Ineffective
When using 'nostrum' consider it may suggest the solution might not work.
She offered her usual nostrum for any IT problem: turn it off and on again.
Pro Tip 3/3Problem Context
Use 'nostrum' for proposed solutions to problems rather than general advice.
Politicians offer many a nostrum during campaigns but rarely solve the problem.
Pro Tip 1/3Suggestive Tone
Nostrum often implies the solution might be oversimplified or not serious.
His nostrum for improving education was just to 'make classes fun.'
Pro Tip 2/3Potentially Ineffective
When using 'nostrum' consider it may suggest the solution might not work.
She offered her usual nostrum for any IT problem: turn it off and on again.
Pro Tip 3/3Problem Context
Use 'nostrum' for proposed solutions to problems rather than general advice.
Politicians offer many a nostrum during campaigns but rarely solve the problem.
Pro Tip 1/3Suggestive Tone
Nostrum often implies the solution might be oversimplified or not serious.
His nostrum for improving education was just to 'make classes fun.'
Pro Tip 2/3Potentially Ineffective
When using 'nostrum' consider it may suggest the solution might not work.
She offered her usual nostrum for any IT problem: turn it off and on again.
Pro Tip 3/3Problem Context
Use 'nostrum' for proposed solutions to problems rather than general advice.
Politicians offer many a nostrum during campaigns but rarely solve the problem.
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Quote examples
Gary Hamel
American Businessman
All too often, legacy management practices reflexively perpetuate the past - by over-weighting the views of long-tenured executives, by valuing conformance more highly than creativity and by turning tired industry nostrums into sacred truths.
Quote examples
Warren G. Harding
American President
America's present need is not heroics but healing; not nostrums but normalcy; not revolution but restoration.
Quote examples
Gary Hamel
American Businessman
All too often, legacy management practices reflexively perpetuate the past - by over-weighting the views of long-tenured executives, by valuing conformance more highly than creativity and by turning tired industry nostrums into sacred truths.
Quote examples
Warren G. Harding
American President
America's present need is not heroics but healing; not nostrums but normalcy; not revolution but restoration.
Example 1 of 2
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