Word
illogical
Phoneticsil·log·i·cal, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/
UK/ɪlˈɒdʒɪkəl/
Logic
Definition
adj. not making sense or not following clear thinking. You use this to describe an idea or action that does not have a good reason behind it.
adj. lacking sense or sound reasoning; contrary to the principles of logic. Often used to describe arguments, decisions, or behaviors that fail to follow a rational sequence.
Examples
“It is illogical to buy a car if you cannot drive.”
“The manager's decision to cut the marketing budget during a sales slump seemed completely illogical to the team.”
“While the protagonist's actions may appear illogical at first glance, they are driven by a deep-seated emotional trauma that bypasses rational thought processes.”
Examples
simple
“It is illogical to buy a car if you cannot drive.”
contextual
“The manager's decision to cut the marketing budget during a sales slump seemed completely illogical to the team.”
complex
“While the protagonist's actions may appear illogical at first glance, they are driven by a deep-seated emotional trauma that bypasses rational thought processes.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem', 'sound', or 'be'.
Pitfall
His argument was unlogical.
His argument was illogical.
The correct prefix for 'logical' is 'il-', not 'un-'.
Real-World Examples
“I feel slightly envious too, which is illogical.” Etymology
From il- + logical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/illogical