irrefutable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'irrefutable' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means something is indisputable and can't be questioned. Example sentence: He provided irrefutable evidence that proved his innocence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ultimately though, it is only irrefutable and irreversible economic development that can transform global perceptions about African countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have given our opponents the irrefutable, undeniable evidence that we cannot be trusted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as in 2010 the canard that Labour "bankrupted" the country and left "an economic mess" got established and then became evidently irrefutable, so a new false narrative is becoming embedded in 2015, this time fed by Labour itself.

The Guardian

Both ideological groups point to irrefutable polling evidence about when Labour lost its vote, to justify their position.

The Guardian

The broadcasters have cited the recent European election as a measure of Ukip's popularity and irrefutable evidence of its worthiness for inclusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Timor-Leste has said it had irrefutable proof that Australia bugged the country's cabinet room to gain an unfair advantage in the lead-up to a 2006 agreement extending the length of a crucial oil and gas treaty.

The Guardian

The truth is that the coffee consumed at centres of European power is an irrefutable reminder that politicians in Europe still do not understand "partnership".

The Guardian - Opinion

Commissioned to write the report by the previous government when they visited Athens last October, the human rights lawyers argued that the spectacular artworks were an irrefutable part of Greek identity, history and culture.

The Guardian - Arts

So this week's commemoration of 1988 was as irrefutable a proof as any of how much Myanmar has changed under Thein Sein, the former general who is now its president.

The Economist

Few have discovered irrefutable cases of corruption or illegality.Ms Reno is the central figure in this pursuit of politics by other means.

The Economist

This policy has been followed in Britain for so long that it has been accepted as an irrefutable dogma.The proceeds from this unfair and regressive tax have become an essential component of the British government's tax revenues and not a glorious sacrifice in the interests of environmental protection.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the term "irrefutable", ensure that the evidence or reasoning supporting your claim is genuinely unassailable to avoid undermining your argument's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "irrefutable" to describe evidence that is merely strong or persuasive, but not definitively conclusive, as this can weaken your argument if challenged.

Linguistic Context

The word "irrefutable" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe evidence, arguments, or facts that are impossible to deny or disprove. Ludwig AI confirms that "irrefutable" is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "irrefutable" signifies something that cannot be denied or disproven, offering a strong assertion of certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically sound and widely used. Its usage spans across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its prevalence in discussions requiring definitive statements. While it leans towards formality, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for diverse discourse. To maximize its impact, use "irrefutable" judiciously, ensuring genuine unassailability to maintain credibility. Overstating claims with evidence that doesn't fully support the adjective can weaken your overall argument. Remember to use "irrefutable" accurately to communicate the strength and validity of your points effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indisputable

Emphasizes the lack of grounds for dispute or questioning.

incontrovertible

Highlights that the evidence is too strong to be denied or disputed.

unquestionable

Suggests that something is so certain it does not merit questioning.

undeniable

Focuses on the impossibility of denying the truth or existence of something.

unassailable

Indicates that something is immune to attack or questioning.

beyond doubt

Implies a certainty that surpasses any uncertainty.

conclusive

Highlights the quality of putting an end to any debate or uncertainty.

irrefutably proven

Explicitly states that something has been proven in a way that cannot be disproven.

patently obvious

Stresses that something is clearly and undeniably evident.

axiomatically true

Suggests a truth that is self-evident and requires no proof.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "irrefutable" in a sentence?

Use "irrefutable" to describe evidence or arguments that are so strong and conclusive that they cannot be reasonably denied or disputed. For example: "The prosecution presented "irrefutable evidence" of the defendant's guilt".

What are some alternatives to saying something is "irrefutable"?

You can use alternatives like "indisputable", "incontrovertible", or "unquestionable" to convey a similar meaning of being impossible to deny or disprove.

Is it correct to say something is "almost irrefutable"?

While you could technically say "almost irrefutable", it's generally better to choose a different adjective like "highly persuasive" or "compelling" because "irrefutable" implies that there is no room for doubt or argument.

What distinguishes "irrefutable" from "indisputable"?

"Irrefutable" means impossible to disprove or argue against, emphasizing the strength of the evidence. "Indisputable" suggests that something is beyond question or debate, highlighting its certainty or acceptance.