absence of conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of strong belief or certainty in a particular opinion or decision. Example: "His speech was filled with an absence of conviction, leaving the audience unsure of his true stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"That I miss him very much," Regina says with a complete absence of conviction.

The New York Times

"In the absence of conviction, I've come to terms with the fact that uncertainty is an inescapable corollary of life".

The New York Times - Style

She realised fast and early what all sane people eventually learn: that noisy idealism is not a virtue but a curse, and quiet, deal-making realism not the absence of conviction but its pure expression.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's something aimless about Barnes's run, an absence of conviction, like much of his play tonight, and the ball is taken away from him by a recovered Richardson, who slips it neatly to his goalkeeper.

The Guardian - Sport

A common explanation for the withering of public life is the absence of "conviction" politicians, the current term of art for those who, like Paul Wellstone, have ideological beliefs, and there is some truth to that: bolder ideas make for bigger crowds.

The New Yorker

But this supposed balancing of perspectives betrays not BioShock Infinite's impartiality, or its writers' integral journalism, but an absence of conviction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Many of his investments are owned jointly with third parties, complicating asset seizure further.The absence of convictions at home slows things, too.

The Economist

Critics argue that an absence of convictions might offer women false reassurance; the British government's effective decision to opt out of some measures, including an EU-wide criminal records system, means that even men with histories as dreadful as Zalkalns' might seem to have an unblemished record.

Independent

In the absence of convictions, families are often the ones serving time.

Vice

But a complaint of domestic abuse in the absence of a conviction would not be sufficient under federal law.

Columbia University

What he's concentrating on is faith, what the family turn to for support in the absence of religious conviction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absence of conviction", ensure the context clearly indicates what the conviction is lacking in reference to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a neutral stance or objective reporting indicates an "absence of conviction". Neutrality can be a deliberate choice, not necessarily a lack of belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of conviction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition, denoting the lack of a strong or firm belief. As Ludwig highlights, it's used to express a lack of strong belief.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absence of conviction" is a noun phrase used to describe a lack of firm belief or certainty. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, predominantly in news, academia, and science. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of wavering or a lack of strong opinion. Related phrases such as "lack of certainty" or "want of confidence" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of certainty

Emphasizes the absence of sureness or definiteness.

want of confidence

Highlights the deficiency in self-assurance or trust.

dearth of belief

Stresses the scarcity or lack of faith in something.

absence of faith

Focuses on the lack of trust or reliance.

lack of resolution

Indicates a deficiency in determination or firmness.

want of assuredness

Highlights missing quality of being confident and self-assured.

paucity of resolve

Emphasizes the shortage of determination to do something.

lack of decisiveness

Focuses on the absence of being able to make decisions quickly and effectively.

indecision

A simpler term for not being able to decide.

uncertainty

Highlights state of being unsure about something.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of conviction" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of conviction" to describe a lack of strong belief or certainty. For example: "The politician's "absence of conviction" during the debate made it difficult to understand their stance."

What's the difference between "absence of conviction" and "lack of belief"?

"Absence of conviction" often implies a lack of firmness or certainty in a belief, while "lack of belief" simply means not holding a particular belief. The former suggests a weaker or wavering stance.

Are there formal alternatives to "absence of conviction"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "lack of certainty", "want of confidence", or "dearth of belief", which may be suitable for academic or professional writing.

When is it appropriate to use "absence of conviction" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize not just the lack of a belief, but also a lack of strong feeling or certainty about a particular matter. This can be useful in describing someone's demeanor, arguments, or decisions.