absence of rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack of reasoning or justification for a decision or action. Example: "The committee's decision to cut funding was met with criticism due to the absence of rationale behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And if they are clever, they may well be thrown into confusion over the absence of rationale in Lax's scheme of things -- which in reality is eminently practical.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The absence of design rationale makes it much more difficult to detect inconsistencies, omissions and conflicts in an architecture design.

Journal of Systems and Software

Of particular concern was the absence of any rationale for conducting the qualitative research with the trial in 44% of proposals.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Moreover, these two instruments appeared to be developed with absence of clear rationale for item selection [ 18], while the SHI was developed from the diagnostic criteria for inadequate sleep hygiene as defined in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders [ 19].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The largest weaknesses identified following the critique were the absence of a rationale for the choice of the comparative study, and the lack of discussion of differences in follow-up durations between the conventional and MAGEC rod studies and their potential implications for comparison of outcomes.

Applied Health Economics and Health Policy

for... the absence of any principled rationale". Choper, supra, n. 7, at 681.

Cornell University

The lack of wall text or some kind of room brochure touches on a larger problem with "Ex.06.01.06103," and that is the absence of a clear rationale behind the choice of the artworks and their arrangement.

The New York Times

Naturally he didn't put it that way, but he did call the majority decision "misleading" and criticized the "absence of any coherent rationale supporting the opinion's reliance on the equal protection clause".

The New York Times

Some theorists have argued, in the absence of a compelling rationale for marriage law, for abolishing marriage altogether, replacing it with civil unions or domestic partnerships.

SEP

In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans joined together to make the case that, in the absence of a solid rationale for the changes, the current alignment should be maintained.

Science Magazine

A second view holds that, in the absence of a pressing rationale for marriage law (as discussed in 4.2), the divisive nature of marriage law gives reason for abolishing marriage as a legal category.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absence of rationale", ensure the context clearly indicates what decision, action, or belief lacks justification. Providing context improves clarity.

Common error

Don't confuse identifying an "absence of rationale" with simply disagreeing with a decision. The phrase implies a lack of logical or evidentiary support, not just a differing opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of rationale" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing deficiencies in reasoning or justification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absence of rationale" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that points out a lack of reasoning or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used across academia, science, and news media to critique decisions or actions lacking a clear basis. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what exactly lacks rationale. Alternatives include "lack of justification" and "lack of reasoning". Be careful not to simply express disagreement but rather highlight the absence of logical or evidentiary support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of justification

Emphasizes the missing support or validation for a decision or action.

lack of reasoning

Highlights the deficiency in logical thought or argumentation.

lack of explanation

Focuses on the absence of a clear account or clarification.

without a clear basis

Indicates that something is done or exists without a solid foundation or reason.

devoid of logic

Stresses the absence of logical consistency or coherence.

unsubstantiated

Highlights the lack of evidence or proof to support a claim or action.

groundless

Indicates that something lacks a valid or rational basis.

unjustified

Similar to "lack of justification", but emphasizes the unfairness or inappropriateness.

unsupported

Focuses on the lack of evidence or data to back up a statement or decision.

without foundation

Highlights that something is built on an unstable or non-existent base.

FAQs

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

You can use "absence of rationale" to indicate a lack of justification or reasoning behind an action or decision. For example: "The committee's decision was criticized due to the "absence of rationale"."

What are some alternatives to saying "absence of rationale"?

Alternatives include "lack of justification", "lack of reasoning", or "lack of explanation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of rationale" or "absence of rationale"?

"Lack of rationale" and ""absence of rationale"" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. Both are grammatically correct.

What does it mean when someone says there is an "absence of rationale"?

It means that there is no clear or logical reason provided for a particular action, decision, or belief. It suggests a deficiency in the supporting arguments or evidence.