without sufficient reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without sufficient reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or decision lacks a justifiable basis or rationale. Example: "The committee decided to reject the proposal without sufficient reason, leaving the applicants confused and frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Leaders in various Iraqi political parties say that there are too many Iraqi detainees, many held without sufficient reason or charges.

The New York Times

When they give us this advice, what they usually mean is that we should buy into the same assumptions and prejudices about the world that they have absorbed, frequently without sufficient reason.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Once the name of a model was decided by the model proposer(s), it is not respectful for others to rename it without sufficient reasons and scientific progress.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Some authors see this formal principle of equality as a specific application of a rule of rationality: it is irrational, because inconsistent, to treat equal cases unequally without sufficient reasons (Berlin 1955-56).

SEP

Thus he says: "It is very true, that nothing is, without a sufficient reason why it is, and why it is thus rather than otherwise" (L-C, 20).

SEP

Such feelings and behaviors, after all, do not arise ex nihilo in normal people, so without a sufficient reason, we would expect them not to arise.

SEP

On his understanding of PSR there can be no situations at all in which a choice has been made without a sufficient reason for making that particular choice.

SEP

However, despite his statement "nothing is without a sufficient reason why it is," it is clear that Clarke cannot have intended to agree with Leibniz that every fact or truth has a sufficient reason.

SEP

Depending on how exactly 'reason' is interpreted, the principle, 'nothing is without a sufficient reason for why it is rather than not' may apply either to the realm of possibility or to the realm of actual reality.

SEP

(G VII 301/L 227) In the Principles of Nature and Grace, Leibniz suggests that the claim that nothing takes place without a sufficient reason means that nothing happens in such a way that it is impossible for someone with enough information to give a reason why it is so and not otherwise.

SEP

The crucial premise (italicized above) purports to reveal a contradiction that follows from the assumption that something exists without a sufficient reason.[53] Since "nothing" cannot both be something and nothing at the same time (according to POC), the conclusion (or PSR) is claimed to follow.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without sufficient reason" to clearly convey that an action or decision lacks a justifiable basis. Avoid overuse; consider synonyms for stylistic variation.

Common error

Avoid using "without sufficient reason" when a stronger phrase like "completely irrational" or "patently absurd" is more appropriate if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without sufficient reason" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe or qualify the action of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It indicates that an action, decision, or belief lacks adequate or justifiable grounds.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without sufficient reason" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to express a lack of adequate justification for an action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "without adequate justification" and "for no good reason" exist, "without sufficient reason" provides a balanced level of formality suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure that your intention is to express criticism or question the validity of something, and be mindful of overstating the lack of reason when a stronger expression is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without adequate justification

Emphasizes the lack of proper defense or support for an action or belief.

without proper cause

Highlights the absence of a legitimate basis or motive.

without due cause

Similar to "without proper cause", but may imply a more formal or legal context.

without any justification

Stresses the complete absence of a valid reason.

for no good reason

Indicates that the reason is not valid or acceptable.

unjustifiably

Adverbial form emphasizing that an action is not justified.

without a valid basis

Focuses on the lack of a sound foundation or rationale.

arbitrarily

Suggests that a decision or action is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason.

capriciously

Similar to "arbitrarily", but implies a more whimsical or impulsive nature.

unwarrantedly

Indicates that an action is not deserved or justified, often implying a negative consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "without sufficient reason" in a sentence?

You can use "without sufficient reason" to indicate that something is done or exists without a valid or adequate explanation. For example, "The company rejected the proposal "without sufficient reason".".

What are some alternatives to "without sufficient reason"?

Some alternatives include "without adequate justification", "without proper cause", or "for no good reason". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "without sufficient reason" or "for no good reason"?

"Without sufficient reason" is generally more formal than "for no good reason". The former is better suited for academic or professional writing, while the latter is more appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "without sufficient reason" and "without any reason"?

"Without any reason" implies a complete absence of any justification, while "without sufficient reason" suggests that there might be a reason, but it is inadequate or not strong enough.