defies all reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defies all reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action that seems illogical or irrational. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in a failing business defies all reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Even if it defies all reason.

The Washington Post

To get another like this chap defies all reason.

The Guardian - Sport

Trying to explain the show's long run, he described "a certain kind of alchemy" that "defies all reason and logic".

The New York Times

Such "logic" defies all reason, but fortunately for Callaway, his general manager bailed him out a little while later.

Forbes

The dominance of the "cultural frame" defies all reason and evidence.

HuffPost

Their self-centered nonsense about the Walmart evils defies all reason.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It was a completely misguided and unbelievably bone-head decision that defied all reason, common sense, and morality," Murphy said.

The Washington Post

And there are taxes that seem to defy all reason, like New Jersey's tax on health club memberships.

The New York Times

Your position on this issue defies all logic and reason.

The New York Times

It defies all form of reason or logic.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This game now defies all logic and reason.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defies all reason", consider the context and audience. It is a strong phrase, so ensure it aligns with the tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defies all reason" in situations that simply require a mild expression of disagreement. It's a powerful phrase best reserved for truly illogical or irrational scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defies all reason" functions as a strong declarative statement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and used to express disagreement or disbelief regarding something considered illogical or irrational.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defies all reason" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to strongly criticize something as illogical or irrational. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears frequently in News & Media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the tone and gravity of the situation, and consider alternatives like "goes against all logic" if a less forceful expression is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goes against all logic

Emphasizes the contradiction with logical principles.

is utterly irrational

Highlights the lack of rationality in the situation.

makes no sense

Indicates a lack of comprehensibility.

is completely illogical

Stresses the absence of logical reasoning.

is beyond understanding

Suggests the matter is too complex or absurd to grasp.

is contrary to reason

Highlights opposition to logical thought.

boggles the mind

Indicates something that is astonishing and hard to believe.

is nonsensical

Points out the lack of coherent meaning.

is devoid of logic

Emphasizes the complete absence of logical thought.

flies in the face of reason

Suggests a direct contradiction to rational thinking.

FAQs

What does "defies all reason" mean?

The phrase "defies all reason" means something is completely illogical, irrational, or incomprehensible. It suggests a total absence of logical thought or justification.

How can I use "defies all reason" in a sentence?

You can use "defies all reason" to describe a situation or action that seems illogical or irrational. For example, "His decision to quit his job without a backup plan "defies all reason"".

What can I say instead of "defies all reason"?

You can use alternatives like "goes against all logic", "is utterly irrational", or "makes no sense" depending on the context.

Is "defies all reason" formal or informal?

"Defies all reason" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its strong connotation may make it more appropriate for situations where you want to express strong disagreement or disbelief.