nonsensical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nonsensical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is illogical, absurd, or lacking meaning. Example: "The argument he presented was so nonsensical that no one could take it seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dunn referred to Routh's nonsensical ramblings after his arrest.

The Guardian

Cameron sought to contrast his party's support for free markets and entrepreneurs with Labour's 1970s-stylee socialism", describing Ed Miliband's policies as "damaging, nonsensical and twisted".

The Guardian - Opinion

The vainglorious Henry VIII desperately tried to prove himself a king and re-enact the triumphs of Crécy and Agincourt with a nonsensical invasion of France in 1513.

The Guardian

Seeing poor Twisty offed so limply has been the season's biggest misstep; the events of the nonsensical, if fun, Edward Mordrake episodes left Freak Show weaker as a whole.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In particular, repetitions of "in rows" at the ends of lines keep reminding us of the nonsensical cause of the war in the poem.

The Guardian - Books

In a sign that No 10 is planning to reprise the tactics of the Thatcher and Major era, when the Tories depicted Labour as a dangerous force on the left, the prime minister denounced Ed Miliband for embracing a "damaging, nonsensical, twisted economic policy".

The Guardian

"There was money flying around like crazy in Los Angeles and elsewhere on start-ups that were nonsensical but turned out to be incredible.

The Guardian - Film

"That is just about the most damaging, nonsensical, twisted economic policy you could possibly come up with," he said.

The Guardian

This is not only morally wrong, it is nonsensical.

The Guardian

If we could all see when people are being nonsensical or otherwise troublesome, that would help us argue against their positions from an informed perspective.

The Guardian

Plaid Cymru education spokeswoman Nerys Evans said the claims were "ridiculous and nonsensical".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nonsensical" to describe arguments, policies, or statements that lack logical coherence or sound reasoning. For example, 'The proposed budget cuts were deemed "nonsensical" by economists.'

Common error

While "nonsensical" is acceptable in various contexts, consider using more nuanced synonyms like "silly", "absurd", or "foolish" in informal settings to better convey the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "nonsensical" primarily functions as a descriptive term, qualifying nouns by indicating a lack of logical coherence, reason, or meaning. This is evidenced by Ludwig, which highlights its use in contexts describing arguments or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "nonsensical" describes something that lacks sense or logical coherence. As affirmed by Ludwig, this word is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. It serves to express disapproval of illogical arguments or ideas, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. Related alternatives include "absurd", "irrational", and "illogical", offering nuances in meaning. When using "nonsensical", ensure it accurately reflects the intended tone and context, avoiding overuse in overly informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd

A more general term emphasizing the lack of reason or logic.

senseless

Similar to "nonsensical" but can also imply a lack of purpose.

irrational

Focuses on the lack of logical thought or reasoning.

illogical

Highlights the contradiction to logical principles.

ludicrous

Highlights the extreme absurdity and comical nature.

preposterous

Emphasizes the outrageous or shocking nature of the lack of sense.

ridiculous

Implies that something is laughably lacking in sense.

foolish

Suggests a lack of intelligence or wisdom.

unreasonable

Emphasizes the unfairness or lack of justification.

inane

Suggests a silly or empty lack of substance.

FAQs

How can I use "nonsensical" in a sentence?

You can use "nonsensical" to describe something that lacks sense or is absurd. For example, "His argument was completely "nonsensical" and didn't convince anyone."

What are some synonyms for "nonsensical"?

Some synonyms for "nonsensical" include "absurd", "irrational", "illogical", and "ridiculous".

Is it better to use "nonsensical" or "senseless"?

"Nonsensical" generally refers to a lack of logical sense, while "senseless" can also imply a lack of purpose or meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

What is the difference between "nonsensical" and "absurd"?

"Absurd" is a broader term that can refer to something that is wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate, while "nonsensical" specifically means lacking sense or being incoherent. Both words can often be used interchangeably, but "absurd" might have a stronger connotation of being illogical.