unconvinced by

USAGE SUMMARY

"unconvinced by" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about an argument, idea, or claim. Example: "She remained unconvinced by his explanation." Alternative expressions include "not persuaded by" and "skeptical of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he remains unconvinced by one genre.

Independent

For her part, Governor Brewer remains unconvinced by that argument.

The New Yorker

Unconvinced by our zeal, It is un- Appeasable.

The New York Times - Books

Syed is totally unconvinced by that line of argument.

The Guardian

Still, the lawyer remains unconvinced by the authorities.

The Guardian - Travel

Zuckerberg agreed but remained unconvinced by the site's efficacy.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet many opponents of parity remain unconvinced by such statistics.

The New York Times

He hung up the phone, unconvinced by what I had told him.

The New York Times

But he also noted that he remains unconvinced by US intelligence.

Independent

Mr. Leon said he came away from the evening unconvinced by Mr. Wolff.

The New York Times

Unconvinced by the market timing argument?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific nouns like "arguments", "claims", "explanation" or "evidence" to provide clear context for the skepticism.

Common error

While "unconvinced of" is sometimes used to describe a general lack of belief in a concept (e.g., "unconvinced of the benefits"), "unconvinced by" is the superior choice when referring to the agent or method of persuasion (e.g., "unconvinced by his speech"). Using "at" or "with" in this context is non-standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unconvinced by" functions as a complex adjective phrase used to describe a state of mind or a formal position. In the sentences analyzed by Ludwig, it typically follows a linking verb (like "remains" or "seemed") or acts as a post-positive modifier. It connects a subject's mental state to a specific external cause—the agent of persuasion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki & Reference

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Informal

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "unconvinced by" is a robust and highly useful expression for anyone looking to articulate doubt in a professional manner. Ludwig AI data shows that it is a favorite among journalists and scientists because it allows for a nuanced expression of disagreement—it implies that while a case was presented, it lacked the necessary weight or evidence to be accepted. Whether you are writing a critique of a policy in "The Guardian" or reviewing a scientific paper, this phrase provides a clear, grammatically sound way to state your position. Always remember to use "by" when the focus is on the argument itself, ensuring your writing remains sharp and accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical of

uses a different preposition and suggests a broader, perhaps more habitual doubt

not persuaded by

replaces the adjective with a passive verbal construction to emphasize the failed attempt at persuasion

dubious about

shifts the focus to the doubtful nature of the subject or claim

not sold on

adopts an informal, idiomatic tone often used in business or casual decision-making

questioning the

uses an active participle to indicate ongoing inquiry or challenge

uncertain of

provides a softer expression of doubt without necessarily implying a previous attempt to convince

suspicious of

adds a layer of distrust or an implication of hidden motives

unimpressed by

focuses on the lack of quality or impact rather than just the lack of belief

hesitant to believe

emphasizes the psychological reluctance of the subject

remaining wary of

suggests a cautious or guarded stance over time

FAQs

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

You can use it to show that someone does not believe a specific argument or idea. For example: "The board remained "unconvinced by" the CEO's justification for the budget cuts."

What can I say instead of "unconvinced by"?

Depending on the tone, you can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/skeptical+of" target="_blank" rel="alternative">skeptical of", "<a href="/s/not+persuaded+by" target="_blank" rel="alternative">not persuaded by" or more informally, "<a href="/s/not+sold+on" target="_blank" rel="alternative">not sold on".

Is it "unconvinced by" or "unconvinced of"?

Both are grammatically correct but have slight nuances. Use "unconvinced by" when referring to the external source or argument that failed (e.g., "unconvinced by the data"). Use "<a href="/s/unconvinced+of" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unconvinced of" when focusing on the internal state of belief regarding a truth (e.g., "unconvinced of his innocence").

Is "unconvinced by" considered formal?

Yes, it is a neutral to formal phrase. It appears frequently in reputable news sources like <a href="/s/The+New+York+Times" target="_blank" rel="alternative">The New York Times and <a href="/s/The+Economist" target="_blank" rel="alternative">The Economist, making it suitable for professional and academic writing.