unpersuasive

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ʌn.pəˈsweɪ.sɪv//

KK: /ʌnˈpɜr.sweɪ.sɪv/

adjective

Definition

Not able to convince someone or make them believe something.

Example

The speaker's arguments were unpersuasive, and the audience remained unconvinced.

Conversation

Did you hear his speech at the meeting yesterday?

Yeah, it was pretty unpersuasive overall.

I thought so too; he didn’t really make a strong case.

Exactly! It just felt like he was going through the motions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

weak

ineffective

unconvincing

Antonyms

persuasive

compelling

convincing

Root Explanation

Unpersuasive → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "persuasive" (from Latin "persuadere", meaning to convince or persuade). The word "unpersuasive" means not able to convince or lacking the ability to persuade.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'persuade' — this helps you remember that 'unpersuasive' means something that does not convince.

Visually Confused Words