Word
implausible
Phoneticsim·plau·si·ble, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɫɔzəbəɫ/
UK/ɪmplˈɔːzəbəl/
Definition
adj. not likely to be true or possible. You use this to describe a story or an explanation that seems very strange or hard to believe.
adj. unlikely to be true or possible; not credible. Often used to describe narratives, arguments, or explanations that lack sufficient evidence or logical consistency.
Examples
“The story of a giant rabbit is implausible.”
“The suspect's alibi was implausible because he claimed to be at a quiet library while the crime was happening in a busy city center.”
“While the theory provides a useful framework for understanding the data, the final conclusion remains implausible given the lack of supporting evidence from the field trials.”
Examples
simple
“The story of a giant rabbit is implausible.”
contextual
“The suspect's alibi was implausible because he claimed to be at a quiet library while the crime was happening in a busy city center.”
complex
“While the theory provides a useful framework for understanding the data, the final conclusion remains implausible given the lack of supporting evidence from the field trials.”
Real-World Examples
“The man couldn’t change a light bulb by himself … His death scenario is completely implausible to everybody that knew him.”
411: Did Epstein’s cellmate know too much?” Etymology
From im- + plausible.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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/implausible