What does illogicality mean?
Illogicality names the quality of reasoning or conduct that does not follow logically. It applies when a conclusion has no sensible connection to the facts, when a decision contradicts its own stated principles, or when an explanation relies on contradictory or irrelevant reasoning. The noun is more formal than the adjective “illogical” and is especially common in political, legal, philosophical, and institutional discussion. An instance of illogicity need not involve an error of calculation or fact; it may consist of a badly reasoned inference, inconsistent treatment of similar cases, or an absurd mismatch between a decision and its stated aim. Although closely related to irrationality, illogicity focuses more directly on the absence of logical connection. The word is useful when discussing not merely an unfortunate outcome, but a process or conclusion whose reasoning is defective.
nounThe quality of being illogical or lacking logical connection and sound reasoning. It refers to an argument, decision, or situation whose conclusions do not follow logically from its premises.
- The absence of logical reasoning, consistency, or soundness in an argument, decision, or course of action.
"She could not understand the illogicity of spending so much on a project that was unlikely to succeed."
"The committee struggled to explain the illogicity of rejecting a proposal before hearing its evidence."
"His explanation revealed a striking illogicity: he blamed the delay while ignoring the appointment he had missed."
Plural forms are uncommon but are used when identifying several separate instances of defective reasoning.
"The essay exposes the illogicities in the proposal's central assumptions."
Sometimes the most absurd outcome begins not with bad facts, but with a conclusion that somehow does not follow from them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does illogicality come from?
“Illogicality” was formed by adding the suffix “-ity” to “illogical.” Those elements ultimately derive from Greek “logos,” meaning “word, reason, or account,” through the related Latin vocabulary of logic and logicus. English “logic” and “logical” belong to the same etymological family, while “logistic” developed through French and originally related to reasoning and calculation.
Related word forms
How illogicality is actually used
The noun is formal and comparatively uncommon in everyday speech, where people are more likely to say that something is illogical, irrational, or nonsensical. It is especially used in discussions of arguments, decisions, and institutional actions.
Easily confused with illogicality
Illegality concerns conduct that violates a law, whereas illogicity concerns reasoning or behaviour that lacks logical coherence.