unconvincing argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unconvincing argument" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a point of view or reasoning that fails to persuade or lacks credibility. For example, "The author's unconvincing argument left the audience skeptical." Alternative expressions include "weak argument" and "flawed reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"He could be ill," was Docherty's assistant Paddy Crerand's unconvincing argument.

The Guardian - Sport

But this seems an unconvincing argument not to honor those who actually do suffer from post-traumatic stress.

The New York Times

Cheats get what goes around …" A desperate and unconvincing argument – timewasting and deliberately getting someone sent off are crimes of a very different stature.

The Guardian - Sport

And if it is, the oppression of minority views, such as those of activists, would surely be exactly what Ms Stout wants.There is a good, though ultimately unconvincing, argument against changing the rules, which is the conservative principle of respecting existing contractual arrangements.

The Economist

Further, as Yalowitz himself notes, it commits Davidson to a rather unconvincing argument for both mental anomalism and semantic externalism.

SEP

This is an ingenious but unconvincing argument.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In the meantime I am tempted to say about these thoroughly unconvincing arguments: bring them on.

The Guardian

There are bad arguments, there are unconvincing arguments, and then there are arguments against the estate tax.

The Washington Post

"I understood their [registry office workers'] unconvincing arguments; they formally approached the issue and saw passports, but not people.

Independent

Your defense of deferrals of pension fund contributions by New York State and localities relies on unconvincing arguments by Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli that the plan is justified by the need for short-term relief from rising pension costs and that it is transparent.

The New York Times

Having marshalled some powerful (though ultimately unconvincing) arguments against such measures, Lord Lawson suddenly announces: "I believe the case can be made for the introduction of an across-the-board carbon tax," on the grounds that "if people like to feel that they are helping to save the planet by paying a carbon tax, they should not be deprived of the opportunity to do so".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing an argument, specify why it's an "unconvincing argument" rather than simply labeling it as such. For instance, explain the logical flaws or lack of supporting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "unconvincing argument" as a dismissive label without providing concrete reasons or evidence to support your assessment. Failing to elaborate weakens your own counter-argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unconvincing argument" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unconvincing" modifies the noun "argument". It is used to describe an argument that lacks the power to persuade someone. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unconvincing argument" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe an argument that fails to persuade. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase sees frequent usage across news, academic, and scientific contexts. It’s crucial to remember that employing this phrase effectively requires articulating the specific reasons for deeming the argument "unconvincing", as opposed to merely offering a dismissive label. Some alternatives include "weak argument" or "flawed reasoning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak argument

Implies a lack of strength or substance in the reasoning.

flawed reasoning

Highlights errors or defects in the logical process.

tenuous claim

Suggests the argument is fragile and easily challenged.

dubious assertion

Indicates uncertainty or skepticism about the statement's validity.

implausible explanation

Conveys that the reason given is not believable.

specious reasoning

Emphasizes the deceptive or misleading nature of the argument.

fallacious argument

Identifies the presence of logical fallacies in the reasoning.

untenable position

Suggests the argument is indefensible and cannot be maintained.

invalid argument

The argument doesn't follow the principles of valid logic.

unsound reasoning

Shows the rationalisation contains some errors or is not well founded.

FAQs

What does "unconvincing argument" mean?

An "unconvincing argument" is a statement or series of reasons that fails to persuade or convince someone of its validity or truth.

How can I identify an "unconvincing argument"?

Look for logical fallacies, lack of evidence, weak supporting points, or contradictions within the argument itself. Additionally, consider whether the argument appeals more to emotion than reason.

What are some alternatives to using "unconvincing argument"?

You can use alternatives like "weak argument", "flawed reasoning", or "tenuous claim" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unconvincing argument" or "invalid argument"?

While both terms indicate a problem with the argument, "invalid argument" is more technical and specific to logical structure, while "unconvincing argument" simply means it fails to persuade. Choose the term that best reflects the specific issue.