decision cannot be justified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decision cannot be justified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a choice or conclusion that lacks sufficient reasoning or rationale. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became clear that the decision cannot be justified based on the available data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A rational withdrawal decision cannot be justified.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He added: "Even on the basis of this flimsy report, it is clear that these decisions cannot be justified".

BBC

In other words, the president's decision to attack Syria cannot be justified because Trump has no ideology.

Vice

Given the well documented risks associated with blood transfusion [ 22], these data strengthen the contention that blood transfusion should be carefully considered and that the decision to transfuse RBCs cannot be justified by the 10/30 rule.

Critical Care

The trust in an omnipotent God is a second reason why decisions to forgo life-prolonging treatments cannot be justified.

European Journal of Pediatrics

The judges, John M. Walker Jr., chief of the federal appeals court in Manhattan, and John G. Koeltl and Richard M. Berman, two district judges, stated in the decision that "the relief sought by the plaintiffs in this case cannot be justified under the Voting Rights Act".

The New York Times

It cannot be justified by the sincerity, let alone the naivety, of the decision that caused it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It cannot be justified".

The New York Times - Science

Beliefs cannot be justified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As such it simply cannot be justified".

Independent

Vanunu's continued imprisonment cannot be justified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "decision cannot be justified", ensure you clearly articulate the reasons why the decision lacks justification. Providing specific evidence or logical fallacies will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using hyperbolic language when stating that a "decision cannot be justified". Instead of simply asserting it, provide a balanced analysis of the factors involved and explain why they do not sufficiently support the decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decision cannot be justified" functions as a declarative statement asserting the lack of valid reasoning or support for a specific choice. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to express disagreement or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decision cannot be justified" is a strong assertion indicating that a particular choice lacks adequate reasoning or support. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to express criticism or disagreement, emphasizing the lack of logical or moral basis for the decision. Related phrases include "indefensible decision" and "unjustifiable action", which further underscore the lack of support or rationale. As highlighted in writing guidance, it's crucial to articulate the reasons behind this lack of justification clearly. While the phrase is widely used, it's important to avoid overstating the case and to provide a balanced analysis of the factors involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indefensible decision

Emphasizes the impossibility of defending the decision due to its flawed nature.

unjustifiable action

Focuses on the lack of justification for a specific action taken.

unsupportable conclusion

Highlights that the conclusion reached is not adequately supported by evidence or reasoning.

cannot be condoned

Stresses that the action is unacceptable and cannot be excused.

without valid grounds

Indicates the absence of legitimate reasons or a sound basis.

lacks sufficient basis

Emphasizes the deficiency in foundational support or evidence.

is without merit

Suggests that the decision or claim has no value or justification.

cannot be rationalized

Focuses on the inability to provide a rational explanation for the decision.

is unsustainable

Highlights the inability of the decision to be maintained or defended over time.

cannot be defended

Focuses on the inability to defend the action.

FAQs

How can I use "decision cannot be justified" in a sentence?

You can use "decision cannot be justified" to express disagreement with a particular choice, emphasizing that it lacks a sound basis. For example: "The company's decision to cut employee benefits cannot be justified given its recent profit gains."

What are some alternatives to saying "decision cannot be justified"?

Alternatives include phrases like "indefensible decision", "unjustifiable action", or "unsupportable conclusion", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "decision cannot be justified"?

This phrase is appropriate when you want to assert that a particular decision or action lacks a rational or moral basis, and you are prepared to explain why. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the facts and reasoning behind the decision before making this claim.

What's the difference between "decision cannot be justified" and "the decision is questionable"?

"Decision cannot be justified" is a stronger statement, implying a fundamental flaw in the decision-making process or rationale. "The decision is questionable" suggests uncertainty or doubt but does not necessarily imply a complete lack of justification. The first is more assertive, while the second is more tentative.