English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

convincing

adj. · v. · n.
US /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/ UK /kənvˈɪnsɪŋ/ con·vinc·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.making you believe that something is true or right.

    adj.capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real through effective argument or evidence.

    Simple

    The lawyer gave a convincing argument that his client was innocent.

    In context

    Despite the lack of physical evidence, the witness provided a convincing account of the events that swayed the jury's final decision.

    unconvincingimplausibleweak
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the act of making someone believe or do something.

    v.the present participle of 'convince', used to describe the ongoing process of persuading an audience or individual.

    Simple

    She is currently convincing her parents to let her study abroad next year.

    In context

    Convincing the board to approve such a radical restructuring required months of careful negotiation and data presentation.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    n.the process of making someone agree with you or believe something.

    n.the act or process of persuading someone; often used in more formal or academic contexts to describe the mechanism of belief change.

    Simple

    The convincing of the public took a lot of time and many advertisements.

    In context

    The successful convincing of the electorate depended less on policy details than on the candidate's personal charisma and delivery.

Usage convincing overwhelming

Therefore, any sense of understanding, connection or empathy – however convincing – is simulated, not real .

The Conversation· 13 Aug 2026

The Battle of Trenton proved to be a turning point in the war, convincing the colonists that their army could more than hold its own against the enemy.

Smithsonian Magazine· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated