unconvincing
/'ʌnkən'vinsiɳ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not capable of persuading or causing belief: Describes something that fails to make an argument, explanation, or appearance seem true or acceptable.
- Lacking the power to prove or demonstrate effectively: Indicates that evidence, reasoning, or a performance is weak, implausible, or fails to remove doubt.
Usage
- The adjective unconvincing is used to describe statements, arguments, evidence, performances, or appearances that do not succeed in making you believe they are true or genuine.
- It is often used in formal and informal contexts to express skepticism or criticism.
- Common structures: "an unconvincing argument," "an unconvincing excuse," "find something unconvincing."
Examples
- Describing an argument or reason:
- The politician's explanation for the policy change was utterly unconvincing.
- She gave an unconvincing alibi for her whereabouts last night.
- Describing a performance or appearance:
- The actor's portrayal of grief was unconvincing and left the audience cold.
- His attempt at a cheerful smile seemed forced and unconvincing.
Advanced Usage
- "to find something unconvincing": To judge or consider something as not persuasive.
- The jury found the witness's testimony unconvincing.
- "to be unconvincing in one's role": To fail to perform a duty or character in a believable way.
- The new manager was unconvincing in his role as a leader.
Variants and Related Words
- Unconvincingly (adverb): In a manner that fails to persuade or convince.
- He argued unconvincingly for the project's benefits.
- Unconvince (verb, rare/archaic): To fail to convince. (Note: This form is very rarely used in modern English; "fail to convince" is standard.)
Synonyms
- Implausible: Not seeming reasonable or probable; difficult to believe.
- Unpersuasive: Not good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
- Weak: Not convincing because of a lack of force or evidence.
- Incredible: Impossible to believe; unbelievable. (Can also mean amazingly good, so context is key.)
Antonyms
- Convincing: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.
- Persuasive: Good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
- Compelling: Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
- Credible: Able to be believed; convincing.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Ring hollow": To sound false or insincere; similar in meaning to seeming unconvincing.
- His promises of reform rang hollow after years of inaction.
- "Not hold water": (Of an argument, theory, or statement) to be flawed or unconvincing; to not seem valid or reasonable.
- Her explanation for the missing funds simply doesn't hold water.
Adjective
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having a probability too low to inspire belief
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not convincing
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unconvincing argument
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as unconvincing as a forced smile
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