unconvinced

Unconvinced describes a person who has not been persuaded that a claim, explanation, or proposal deserves acceptance. It commonly implies a considered response to evidence or argument: someone may remain unconvinced even after hearing a detailed case, so the word often carries a note of resistance rather than mere indecision. The usual pattern is "unconvinced by" an argument or evidence, although it can also take a that-clause, as in "unconvinced that the risk was negligible." In everyday use, unconvinced is standard in both British and American English and is somewhat more formal than "not convinced," though it is entirely ordinary. It is close to skeptical and doubtful but need not imply active hostility or disbelief. Its antonym, convinced, appears directly as a rhyme and emphasizes the word's structure: the negative prefix un- attached to convinced means not having been persuaded. As an adjective, unconvinced typically describes people, while unconvincing describes an argument or piece of evidence that fails to persuade.

Not persuaded that something is true, likely, or acceptable; doubtful or skeptical.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does unconvinced come from?

Unconvinced was formed in English by combining the productive prefix un- with convinced, the past participle of convince. The base verb comes ultimately from Latin convincere, a compound of con- meaning "completely" and vincere meaning "to conquer." Related English words from the same root include convincing, conviction, and convict.

How unconvinced is actually used

Standard in British and American English with no significant regional distinction. It is somewhat more formal than the plain phrase "not convinced" and often suggests a considered doubt rather than momentary uncertainty.

Easily confused with unconvinced

What's another word for unconvinced?

Words and phrases paired with unconvinced

What's the opposite of unconvinced?

Rhymes with unconvinced