lacking reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or argument that does not have logical justification or rationale. Example: "His decision to quit without any explanation seemed completely lacking reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

identified matter with Poverty (penia that is informed by Abundance (poros), giving a cosmological twist in Plato's myth in the Symposium (203B f .. Since matter is lacking reason, Numenius considers it in itself disordered (ataktos) and unknowable (fr. 4.4 5).

SEP

He declared: "at this point we're pretty much living in an irrational time", full of human suffering and lacking reason or logic.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because it lacks reason, deriving instead from dogma and orders from above.

The Guardian - Opinion

North Korea says Trump lacks reason and that its plan to attack Guam will be complete by mid-August.

The Washington Post

It has now spiralled into a debate about how to better appeal to "post-truth" citizens, as though they are baffling and lack reason.

The Guardian

But the three commissioners added that they were open to Mr. Rosch's idea, saying they wanted "to avoid any possible public misimpression that the commission obtains settlements when it lacks reason to believe that the alleged conduct occurred".

The New York Times

Yet the other animals, though they lack reason, live together peacefully according to their species; only humans, who most greatly need concord to preserve themselves, do not manage to live together peacefully.

SEP

The 'Lost World' site lacked reason for being". Except as a PR stunt, skeptics say.

Los Angeles Times

"Animals, despite the fact that they lack reason and understanding, do not make colors the cause of conflict.

Huffington Post

It seems a bit rich, however, coming from a man who as recently as 2009 suggested that Islam lacked reason, making the religion inherently prone to violence.

Vice

Are they really, like you said, these "humans who lack reason" because they haven't been disciplined into adulthood, because they haven't yet been broken down?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking reason", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect or action lacks logical justification. Avoid vagueness to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming malicious intent simply because something appears "lacking reason". Consider that the lack of discernible logic may stem from ignorance, oversight, or differing perspectives, not necessarily bad faith.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking reason" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that does not exhibit logical thought or justification. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking reason" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that is illogical or without justification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While alternatives like "irrational" or "unreasonable" exist, "lacking reason" often provides a more descriptive and nuanced assessment. It is essential to use the phrase precisely to indicate what specific aspect is deficient in logic, avoiding generalizations or assumptions of malicious intent. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrational

Implies a contradiction of logical thought processes; less about absence, more about active opposition to reason.

illogical

Stresses a violation of logical principles; more direct and forceful than "lacking reason".

unreasonable

Suggests not conforming to reason or fairness; often used in contexts of expectations or demands.

devoid of logic

Highlights the absence of logical sequence or coherence in an argument or action.

without justification

Emphasizes the absence of a valid explanation or excuse for an action or belief.

groundless

Indicates the absence of any factual basis or support.

baseless

Similar to groundless, but often used to describe accusations or claims.

unfounded

Suggests a lack of reliable foundation or evidence.

senseless

Conveys a lack of purpose or meaning, in addition to a lack of reason.

absurd

Suggests something wildly illogical or inappropriate, often to the point of being comical.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking reason" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking reason" to describe decisions, arguments, or actions that don't have a clear or logical justification. For instance, "His sudden departure was "completely lacking reason"."

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking reason"?

Alternatives include "irrational", "unreasonable", "devoid of logic", or "without justification", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "lacking reason" or "irrational"?

"Lacking reason" and "irrational" are relatively similar in formality. "Irrational" might be slightly more concise and direct, while "lacking reason" can sometimes provide a more descriptive or nuanced understanding.

What's the difference between something "lacking reason" and something being "senseless"?

While both indicate a lack of logic, "senseless" often implies a lack of purpose or meaning as well, whereas "lacking reason" primarily focuses on the absence of logical justification. Something can be "lacking reason" but still have a purpose, even if misguided.