Absolutely nonsensical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Absolutely nonsensical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is completely illogical or makes no sense at all. Example: "His explanation for the sudden change in plans was absolutely nonsensical and left everyone confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It argued "that all that could be learned from history was that history itself was absolutely nonsensical, so study something else, like music".

The New Yorker

He denied his withdrawal from the content was pre-arranged with the Conservatives, saying: "Ultimately it became absolutely nonsensical for me to continue standing in the election, when the Conservative and UKIP were becoming more aggressively anti-wind.

The Guardian

Mr Johnson said: "Londoners have taken to the hire of two wheels with alacrity and it would have been absolutely nonsensical not to expand our scheme.

BBC

She's since "designed" a collection with the brand (I think this means she's looked at some designs and chosen some fabrics while having photos taken at their offices next to some cupcakes with her face on), and she's got a gym-wear collection – which I would bet my life includes at least one T-shirt with a fun but absolutely nonsensical caption about prosecco on it – dropping soon.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Absolutely ridiculous.

BMC Palliative Care

What seemed nonsensical was actually perfectly rational.

The New Yorker

The gawking continued Dec. 11 at SantaCon, which billed itself as a "nondenominational, noncommercial, nonpolitical and nonsensical Santa Claus convention that occurs once a year for absolutely no reason" (in 25 countries!).

The New York Times

Of course: they were on their way to SantaCon, the "nonsensical Santa Claus convention that occurs once a year," its organizers boast, "for absolutely no reason".

The New York Times

Onto the nonsensical.

The New York Times

Food allergies are nonsensical.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is nonsensical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Absolutely nonsensical" to describe arguments, ideas, or situations that are completely devoid of logic or reason. For emphasis, pair it with specific examples of what makes the subject nonsensical.

Common error

Avoid using "Absolutely nonsensical" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Reserve it for situations where the lack of sense is truly significant to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Absolutely nonsensical" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong sense of illogicality or lack of meaning. It intensifies the adjective "nonsensical" with the adverb "absolutely", emphasizing the complete absence of sense. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Absolutely nonsensical" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to strongly express that something is illogical or makes no sense. While considered acceptable according to Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "utterly absurd" or "completely illogical" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it is reserved for situations where the lack of sense is significant to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Consider the context and audience, opting for more formal language like "entirely illogical" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Utterly absurd

Focuses on the extreme ridiculousness of something.

Completely illogical

Emphasizes the lack of logical reasoning.

Totally irrational

Highlights the absence of reason or rationale.

Patently ridiculous

Stresses the obviousness of the absurdity.

Pure foolishness

Focuses on the lack of wisdom or sense.

Entirely preposterous

Highlights the outlandish and unbelievable nature.

Blatantly absurd

Emphasizes the open and undeniable absurdity.

Unadulterated nonsense

Stresses the pure and unmixed nature of the nonsense.

Downright silly

Highlights the childish or frivolous nature of something.

Simply insane

Emphasizes the degree of madness or unreasonableness.

FAQs

How can I use "Absolutely nonsensical" in a sentence?

You can use "Absolutely nonsensical" to describe something completely illogical or that makes no sense. For example, "His explanation for the company's losses was "absolutely nonsensical" and failed to convince the investors."

What are some alternatives to saying "Absolutely nonsensical"?

Alternatives include "utterly absurd", "completely illogical", or "totally irrational". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of saying “The idea is "absolutely nonsensical"” you could say, “The idea is "utterly absurd"”.

Is "Absolutely nonsensical" too strong of a phrase to use in professional writing?

While "Absolutely nonsensical" is acceptable, it can be perceived as informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "entirely illogical" or "completely without merit" in professional contexts.

What is the difference between "nonsensical" and "absurd"?

"Nonsensical" implies a lack of sense or logical coherence, while "absurd" suggests something is wildly unreasonable, incongruous, or inappropriate. Something can be nonsensical without being absurd, and vice versa.