unconvincingly
gb/ʌŋkənvənsɪŋli/ us/ʌŋkənvənsɪŋli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a way that fails to persuade
In a way that does not persuade people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [argues/explains/claims] unconvincingly
Common mistake:
Learners may use the adjective "unconvincing" when an adverb is needed (e.g., "He spoke unconvincingly").
Synonyms
unpersuasively (More directly about failing to persuade.)
|
weakly (Suggests lack of strength or force in the argument.)
|
implausibly (Emphasizes that it is hard to believe.)
Antonyms
convincingly (In a way that successfully persuades or proves.)
|
persuasively (In a way that influences others to agree.)
Collocations
argue unconvincingly
|explain unconvincingly
|claim unconvincingly
|deny unconvincingly
|respond unconvincingly
|justify [something] unconvincingly
|defend [something] unconvincingly
|protest unconvincingly
|make an unconvincingly weak case
|sound unconvincingly certain
Themes
communication
|opinions
|debate
Examples
- He tried to justify the expense, but he did so unconvincingly.
- She denied knowing him, unconvincingly, and avoided eye contact.
- The report argues unconvincingly that the changes will not affect prices.
Learner examples
- He explained unconvincingly.
- The excuse sounded unconvincingly.
adverb
C1
property
2
in a way that seems not believable
In a way that does not seem real or natural.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [acts/smiles/pretends] unconvincingly
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse "not convincingly" in writing; "unconvincingly" is more concise and natural in many contexts.
Synonyms
unbelievably (Often stronger; can also mean 'extremely' in other contexts.)
|
unrealistically (Focuses on lack of realism rather than persuasion.)
|
inauthentically (Emphasizes that it feels fake or not genuine.)
Antonyms
believably (In a way that seems real and credible.)
|
authentically (In a genuine, natural-seeming way.)
Collocations
smile unconvincingly
|laugh unconvincingly
|act unconvincingly
|play the part unconvincingly
|pretend unconvincingly
|cry unconvincingly
|deliver lines unconvincingly
|look unconvincingly relaxed
|wear [something] unconvincingly
|pose unconvincingly as [someone]
Themes
arts
|emotions
|behavior
Examples
- He smiled unconvincingly and said everything was fine.
- The actor spoke with an unconvincingly thick accent.
- She tried to look surprised, but she did it unconvincingly.
Learner examples
- She smiled unconvincingly.
- The actor played the role unconvincingly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unconvincingly
IPA
GB/ʌŋkənvənsɪŋli/
US/ʌŋkənvənsɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
un - con - vin - cingly (4 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: unconvincingly
- Plural: unconvincinglies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.