totally unconvinced

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally unconvinced" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing strong disbelief or skepticism about something. Example: "After hearing his explanation, I was totally unconvinced." Alternative expressions include "completely unconvinced" and "entirely unconvinced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Syed is totally unconvinced by that line of argument.

The Guardian

And many in cabinet remain totally unconvinced about the need for Qantas's "plan B" – a government-backed debt guarantee – especially since other airlines such as Virgin and Rex have begun to complain more loudly about how such a move would offer Qantas a very unfair advantage, and as others raise serious questions about the management of the airline.

The Guardian

"There are a lot of good things in the SPL strategy document, but we are totally unconvinced that a top 10 is the right way forward," said Thompson when talking to BBC Scotland.

BBC

"Slow and steady wins the race?" she asks, obviously totally unconvinced.

Huffington Post

But in the end, I'm totally unconvinced that the majority of folks who are after an espresso drink want to pay less for it at the expense of their very ritualized coffee experience.

Huffington Post

"I'm totally unconvinced by it, because I've read all the documents he is using," Glendinning says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Although he's not totally convinced that the video shows a cop planting evidence, he's equally unconvinced it's a re-creation.

Vice

But Bryant was unconvinced.

The New Yorker

Color me unconvinced.

The New York Times

Investors, however, appear unconvinced.

The New York Times

Gardiner remains unconvinced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase works effectively in opinion pieces or analytical writing to signal a sharp contrast between a claim and the evidence provided.

Common error

Avoid using "totally unconvinced" to mean you do not understand a topic. The phrase implies you have evaluated the information and found it lacking in credibility, rather than simply being confused by it.

Linguistic Context

In this phrase, the adverb "totally" functions as a maximizer or degree adverb that modifies the adjective "unconvinced". According to Ludwig AI, this structure serves to eliminate any nuance of partial belief, creating an absolute state of skepticism. It typically follows a linking verb like 'remain' or 'be'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport & Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "totally unconvinced" is a potent tool for writers who need to express absolute skepticism. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and effective way to signal that a claim has been thoroughly rejected after evaluation. While it appears less frequently than the simpler 'unconvinced', its use in high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Economist demonstrates its value in professional and journalistic contexts. It acts as a definitive marker of disbelief, leaving no room for ambiguity. When choosing this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong stance, as it suggests a complete failure of the opposing argument to gain any traction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly unconvinced

Replaces 'totally' with 'utterly' for a slightly more formal or dramatic emphasis

completely skeptical

Uses a different adjective to emphasize a questioning attitude rather than just a lack of conviction

not at all convinced

A more literal and slightly less emphatic structural variation

entirely unpersuaded

Uses 'unpersuaded' which focuses on the failure of an argument to change the subject's mind

wholly dubious

Suggests a level of suspicion alongside the lack of belief

thoroughly doubtful

Highlights the presence of active doubt rather than just a lack of being convinced

fully disbelieving

Shifts the focus to the act of disbelief itself

largely unconvinced

Reduces the intensity slightly from absolute (totally) to a high majority (largely)

deeply cynical

Implies a more permanent or ingrained attitude of distrust rather than reaction to a single claim

decidedly unimpressed

Suggests that the quality of the argument was low as well as unconvincing

FAQs

How do I use "totally unconvinced" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person's reaction to news or an argument, such as: "The committee remained "totally unconvinced" by the CEO's explanation for the losses."

What can I say instead of "totally unconvinced"?

Depending on the context, you could use "completely skeptical", "utterly unconvinced" or "entirely unpersuaded".

Is "totally unconvinced" too informal for business writing?

No, it is widely used in business and news media to express a firm stance, though "entirely unpersuaded" can sometimes feel slightly more professional in very formal reports.

What is the difference between "totally unconvinced" and "unconvinced"?

Adding "totally" acts as an intensifier, indicating that there is no room for doubt or partial belief. While "unconvinced" suggests a lack of belief, ""totally unconvinced"" implies a definitive rejection.