What does unscientific mean?
“Unscientific” describes an explanation, method, or practice that does not rely on the systematic observation, testing, and evidence associated with science. It commonly implies that the thing being criticized lacks a sound basis or treats evidence carelessly, so “unscientific claim” usually carries a dismissive or critical tone. The word can describe reasoning that is speculative, arbitrary, or inconsistent with established scientific knowledge. It is not simply a synonym for “false”: a statement can be true without being scientifically established, and a claim may be unscientific in its reasoning even when its conclusion later proves correct. In ordinary use, “unscientific” is most often an adjective placed before a noun or used predicatively after a linking verb. The term is relevant across British and American English and can be used about medicine, psychology, economics, history, and everyday reasoning. Its usefulness lies in identifying a failure of method without making a claim about whether a particular answer is ultimately correct.
adjectiveNot based on scientific evidence, methods, or principles; lacking the systematic reasoning and objectivity associated with science.
- Not based on scientific evidence, methods, or principles.
- Lacking scientific objectivity, rigor, or consistency with established knowledge.
"The laboratory rejected the conclusion because it rested on an unscientific leap from correlation to causation."
"The witness described the evidence in a way that was highly unscientific."
"Relying on personal anecdote is an unscientific way to assess public policy."
An unscientific explanation may still be true; what it lacks is evidence and a systematic method.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unscientific come from?
Unscientific was formed in English by combining the prefix un- with scientific, giving it the basic sense “not scientific.” Scientific comes through New Latin scientificus, which is based on Latin scientia, meaning “knowledge.” The shared root accounts for related forms such as science, scientist, and scientific.
Related word forms
How unscientific is actually used
Usually critical or dismissive rather than purely neutral. It is commonly used before a noun, such as "an unscientific claim," or predicatively after a linking verb, as in "the comparison is unscientific."
Easily confused with unscientific
An unscientific idea does not use scientific methods, whereas a pseudoscientific idea presents itself as scientific despite lacking the relevant evidence, testing, or expertise.