illogical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illogical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks sense or reasoning, often in arguments or statements. Example: "His argument was deemed illogical because it contradicted itself at several points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I also love how she falls for Delphine: it's stupid and illogical but I love that".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even when the people we work with understand how illogical these rigid roles can be, even when they realise how negatively it has affected their lives, and even when they know that changing these attitudes and beliefs will be beneficial for them and their loved ones, it still feels foreign.

The Guardian

It is really illogical to say, 'I'm gay and I'm into defending the gay community but I don't care about anything else…'".

The Guardian - Film

For years, financial regulators who have found banks breaking the rules have accepted the nonsense illogical dodge of "neither admit nor deny".

The Guardian - Opinion

The latter, in fact, seem to be utterly illogical – unless, perhaps, you are a cable company.

The Guardian - Money

It may in cases where the lack of a diverse workforce seems illogical.

The Guardian

It is the natural extension of the bizarrely dominant idea that if you include a person saying something sensible in any debate, you must also include the polar opposite, even if inflammatory and illogical, "for balance".

The Guardian - Opinion

The SNP's general election campaign coordinator, Angus Robertson, has written to Ofcom to query its undemocratic and illogical decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isn't it time for England's rugby and football teams to follow suit, abandon the illogical singing of the UK's God Save the Queen, and let Blake and Parry on to the field of play?

The Guardian - Sport

Eloise Power, immigration case worker at Wandsworth and Merton Law Centre said: "The legal process is being used in an illogical and inhuman manner.

The Guardian

Peter Rogers, who was the Australian ambassador to Israel between 1994 and 1997, told the ABC on Friday that Australia's policy on Israel now was, in essence, illogical.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "illogical" when you want to point out a specific flaw in reasoning or a lack of coherence in an argument, statement, or system. Be precise about what makes it "illogical" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid labeling actions or feelings as "illogical" simply because they differ from your own or are unexpected. "Illogical" should primarily describe faults in reasoning, not differences in subjective experience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "illogical" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something lacking logic or sound reasoning. Ludwig AI shows that the adjective "illogical" is often used to describe arguments, decisions, or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "illogical" is a common and useful term for describing something that lacks sense or sound reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. When using "illogical", focus on critiquing reasoning rather than merely differing opinions. Related phrases like "contrary to reason" or "devoid of logic" can provide nuanced alternatives. Remember to use "illogical" when you can clearly identify and articulate the flaws in reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to reason

This phrase directly opposes the concept of reason, emphasizing the conflict between a statement or action and logical thinking.

devoid of logic

This alternative underscores the complete absence of logical thought or coherence in a particular situation or argument.

lacking in rationale

Focuses on the absence of a reasoned basis or justification for something, highlighting the lack of a sensible explanation.

unsupported by evidence

Highlights the lack of empirical or factual backing, suggesting a conclusion reached without proper justification.

irrational

This term is a close synonym, suggesting a departure from reason and sound judgment, but can apply to behaviors and feelings more broadly.

absurd

Implies extreme unreasonableness or ridiculousness, suggesting a higher degree of deviation from logical expectations.

without foundation

Highlights the lack of a solid or reasonable basis, indicating that a claim or belief is not well-grounded.

not based on reason

Directly states the absence of a rational basis, indicating decisions or conclusions driven by other factors.

making no sense

Refers to a lack of coherence or intelligibility, suggesting a failure to form a logical or understandable pattern.

disconnected from reality

Implies a detachment from practical or logical considerations, suggesting a fanciful or unrealistic perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "illogical" in a sentence?

Use "illogical" to describe something that does not follow the rules of logic or sound reasoning. For example, "His argument was completely "illogical" because it contradicted itself."

What are some synonyms for "illogical"?

Alternatives to "illogical" include "irrational", "absurd", and "unreasonable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "illogical" and "irrational"?

"Illogical" refers to a lack of logical consistency or reasoning, while "irrational" often describes actions or beliefs that are not based on reason, sometimes due to emotional factors. The former is about faulty reasoning; the latter can involve emotions.

When is it appropriate to use "illogical"?

Use "illogical" when you want to critique a specific line of reasoning or a system of thought that contains contradictions or unsupported claims. It's most effective when you can point out exactly why something is "illogical".