unconvinced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unconvinced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or lack of belief in something that has been presented or argued. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, I remain unconvinced about the validity of the claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I started logging sightings in 1975 - I was pretty unconvinced, but by the time it got round to 1979, so many people had seen so many things there was no real doubt they were out there".

The Guardian

A commission investigation declared itself "unsure" whether the reactor would resolve the UK's security of supply issues, and was unconvinced that 'diversification' of supplies, on its own, would justify the monies involved.

The Guardian

John Crace in the Guardian, like Treneman, was unconvinced about the purpose of manifestos, calling them "booklets full of promises that will be broken that turn up unwanted on voters' doorsteps and remain unread".

The Guardian

In the two and a-half years since Chelsea forked out £17m to bring the then 18-year-old from Anderlecht to Stamford Bridge, the Belgium striker has developed into one of the most feared in the Premier League, even if José Mourinho remains curiously unconvinced.

The Guardian - Sport

The couple said Mrs Gada's father, Stanley Bwanya, her mother, Grace, and her sister, Mona Lisa Faith, were even prepared to wear electronic tags and report regularly to a police station during their stay, but the Home Office apparently remained unconvinced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Byrom is also unconvinced that schools should be warning pupils off Oxbridge altogether.

The Guardian

Representative Heather Scott remained unconvinced, saying: "We are throwing away our state sovereignty and due process for efficiency".

The Guardian

As elsewhere in the collection, the poet seems unconvinced by moral absolutes, and certainly by any possibility of redemption.

The Guardian - Books

As I waited with my luggage at the rendezvous point – which Jean insisted on calling "Gare de Lewisham" – I remained unconvinced that the concept would actually work.

The Guardian - Travel

And if you are still unconvinced, consider some non-economic verities.

The Economist

But plenty of other firms remain unconvinced and many lack the capacity to cater to such ideas even if they wanted to.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unconvinced" to express a state of doubt or skepticism after considering information or arguments. It implies a reasoned lack of belief rather than simple ignorance.

Common error

Avoid using "unconvinced" when you simply mean uninterested or apathetic. "Unconvinced" implies consideration and subsequent doubt, not a lack of initial interest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unconvinced" is as a predicate adjective. It describes the subject's state of mind, indicating a lack of persuasion or belief regarding a particular claim or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unconvinced" is an adjective that describes a state of doubt or lack of belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "unconvinced" suggests a reasoned lack of belief, alternatives such as "doubtful" or "skeptical" may offer slightly different nuances. When using "unconvinced", ensure it reflects a considered lack of belief rather than a simple lack of interest. Keep in mind the appropriate register for your audience, as the term can vary from neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not persuaded

Replaces "unconvinced" with a direct synonym focusing on the lack of persuasion.

not fully convinced

Adds emphasis on the degree of conviction, implying partial but incomplete belief.

doubtful

Offers a simpler, more common adjective to convey a state of uncertainty.

skeptical

Suggests a more proactive questioning attitude rather than passive lack of conviction.

remaining dubious

Emphasizes the continuation of doubt over time.

unassured

Highlights a lack of confidence or certainty regarding something.

harboring doubts

Suggests that doubts are being held internally and possibly not expressed.

not buying it

Uses an informal, idiomatic expression to indicate disbelief.

expressing reservations

Focuses on the outward communication of doubts rather than the internal state.

taking with a grain of salt

Indicates a cautious acceptance, where information isn't fully trusted.

FAQs

How to use "unconvinced" in a sentence?

You can use "unconvinced" to express doubt or lack of belief after considering something. For example, "Despite the presentation, I remain "unconvinced" by their claims."

What can I say instead of "unconvinced"?

You can use alternatives like "doubtful", "skeptical", or "not persuaded" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unconvinced" or "not convinced"?

Both "unconvinced" and "not convinced" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. "Unconvinced" is a single word, while "not convinced" is a phrase. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "unconvinced" and "undecided"?

"Unconvinced" implies a lack of belief or certainty due to doubts, whereas "undecided" suggests that a decision has not yet been made, but belief or certainty is not the primary factor.