Word
unconvinced
Phoneticsun·con·vinced, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənkənˈvɪnst/
UK/ʌnkənvˈɪnst/
Definition
adj. not believing that something is true or right. You use it when someone tries to convince you, but you still have doubts.
adj. not persuaded that a claim, argument, or proposal is true or valid. Often follows linking verbs and takes 'by' or 'of' to name the unpersuasive source.
Examples
“I remain unconvinced by his excuse.”
“The manager stays unconvinced by the sales report and asks for more data before approval.”
“Despite the polished presentation and confident forecasts, several investors remain unconvinced that the startup can survive rising costs and stronger competition.”
Examples
simple
“I remain unconvinced by his excuse.”
contextual
“The manager stays unconvinced by the sales report and asks for more data before approval.”
complex
“Despite the polished presentation and confident forecasts, several investors remain unconvinced that the startup can survive rising costs and stronger competition.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unconvinced” in context.
Verb
01. leave unconvinced
“The minister's vague answers left most reporters unconvinced.”
verb + adj
02. remain unconvinced
“Many scientists remain unconvinced that the new drug is safe.”
verb + adj
03. stay unconvinced
“After two hours of debate, the committee stayed unconvinced.”
verb + adj
04. unconvinced about
“She is unconvinced about the benefits of working from home.”
adj + prep
Adjective
05. entirely unconvinced
“After the presentation, I was entirely unconvinced by the sales figures.”
adv + adj
06. largely unconvinced
“Voters were largely unconvinced by the promise of quick recovery.”
adv + adj
07. still unconvinced
“Despite the doctor's reassurance, she was still unconvinced about treatment.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. unconvinced audience
“He faced an unconvinced audience that questioned every statistic.”
adj + noun
09. leave many unconvinced
“The company's explanation for the price rise left many unconvinced.”
10. remain entirely unconvinced
“Even after the trial, experts remain entirely unconvinced of its safety.”
11. remain unconvinced by claims
“Many parents remain unconvinced by claims that the vaccine has no risks.”
12. sound unconvinced by the idea
“She sounded unconvinced by the idea of moving the office abroad.”
Usage
Typically predicative after linking verbs such as 'remain' or 'seem'; takes 'by' or 'of' to name the unpersuasive claim.
Pitfall
the argument is unconvinced
the argument is unconvincing
Unconvinced describes the person who doubts; unconvincing describes the argument that fails to persuade.
Real-World Examples
“A recent Sunday Times report suggested the prime minister had told the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, that he was “unconvinced” by arguments for the megaproject.” “Two major alien-life announcements in 2025 generated enormous excitement, but most astrobiologists remained unconvinced.” “Initially unconvinced by his interpretation, Billington later came to remember the performance for its “mixture of masculinity and sensitivity”.” “He led Leicester to promotion and won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, but fans of those clubs seemed unconvinced by the style of play.” Etymology
From un- + convinced.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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/unconvinced