irrationality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irrationality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of reason or logic in thoughts, actions, or decisions. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in a failing business was a clear example of irrationality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Labour leadership has pandered to prejudice and irrationality on issues including asylum, drugs, terrorism, Europe and crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is another round of madness following directly on the heels of the last, or is something else going on?In a new NBER working paper, Edward Glaeser examines America's long history of property booms and busts and reckons that the assumption of irrationality actually fits the data rather poorly.

The Economist

As a result, most people assume that tulipmania was the result of financial market irrationality.

The Economist

If appeals to irrationality are admissible, then anything goes.

The Economist

The example of tulipmania shows the importance of doing that rather than relying on lazy quips about "animal spirits" or irrationality.

The Economist

We think of these forms of evolved irrationality as cognitive "biases"—but "bias" implies an objective reaction away from which one is biased, the "true preference" that a perfectly designed poll or voting system would uncover.

The Economist

Yet this was more a product of unpredictability than irrationality.

The Economist

The discrepancy does not necessarily indicate irrationality or massive misallocation of resources.

The Economist

A book needs a point, or a theme, and it is not until the conclusion that Mr Bart feels his way towards one.His overall conclusion appears to be that the irrationality and bad management that typify Hollywood nowadays are the result of trying to squeeze a business that is best run on personal flair into a reach-me-down corporate suit.

The Economist

Only irrationality, he thinks, explains financial-market swings.

The Economist

But if they are the chief causes of bubbles which have repeatedly plagued Western finance since its origins in the Italian Renaissance you have to suppose that civilisation is beset by naivety and manic depression.In fact, observes Abhijit Banerjee, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a little irrationality goes a long way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex topics like economics or politics, use "irrationality" to pinpoint specific instances where logic fails, supporting your claims with evidence.

Common error

Be cautious when attributing "irrationality" to entire groups of people. Instead, focus on specific actions or beliefs and explain the reasoning behind your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The term "irrationality" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being irrational. It is often used to describe instances where actions, decisions, or beliefs deviate from logical or rational thought, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "irrationality" is a frequently used noun that describes the state of lacking reason or logic. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business publications. When using "irrationality", it's crucial to avoid generalizations and provide specific evidence to support your analysis. Alternatives like "lack of reason" or "unreasonableness" can add nuance, but "irrationality" itself remains a robust and widely understood term for formal and analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of reason

Focuses on the absence of logical thought processes.

illogical thinking

Highlights the flawed nature of the thought process itself.

unreasonableness

Emphasizes the deviation from what is considered reasonable or sensible.

absurdity

Suggests a situation or idea that is ridiculous and nonsensical.

folly

Implies foolishness or a lack of wisdom in action or decision.

madness

Conveys a sense of extreme irrationality bordering on mental instability.

nonsensical behavior

Describes actions that lack any logical sense or purpose.

lack of good judgment

Focuses on the inability to make sound decisions.

cognitive bias

Refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

mental derangement

Indicates a severe disturbance in mental faculties affecting reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "irrationality" in a sentence?

"Irrationality" is typically used to describe a lack of reason or logical thinking in a person's actions, beliefs, or decisions. For example, "The company's investment strategy displayed a degree of irrationality."

What are some synonyms for "irrationality"?

Alternatives to "irrationality" include "lack of reason", "unreasonableness", "absurdity", and "folly", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "irrationality" in formal writing?

Yes, "irrationality" is suitable for formal writing, especially when analyzing behaviors or decisions that deviate from logical or rational standards.

What's the difference between "irrationality" and "unpredictability"?

"Irrationality" implies a lack of logical thought, whereas "unpredictability" refers to the inability to foresee outcomes. Actions can be unpredictable without being irrational, and vice versa.