unconvincing
Hard to believe
Unconvincing describes something that fails to persuade or seem believable.
An unconvincing argument lacks sufficient evidence or logic.
An unconvincing performance feels forced or false: His apology was unconvincing.
She offered an unconvincing excuse for being late.
The word implies that whatever was attempted—whether deception, persuasion, or portrayal—didn't succeed.
Failing to convince
- failingFlaw in one's nature
- unsuccessfulNot achieving desired outcome
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- fruitlessProducing no useful outcome
futile · powerless · impotent · ineffectual · uncompelling · unprovable · unsupported · baseless
Impossible to accept as true
- far-fetchedUnconvincingly unlikely or strained
- improbableNot likely true
- incredibleDefying easy belief
- preposterousCompletely contrary to reason
absurd · unlikely · unrealistic · fantastical · illogical · irrational · inconceivable · questionable
Weak and ineffective
- flimsyWeak and easily damaged
- tenuousLacking solid foundation
- shakyTrembling or unstable
- thinSmall in diameter
lame · halfhearted · limp · pale · faint · anemic · lackluster · wishy-washy
Uncertain of truth
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
- incredulousExpressing unwillingness to believe
- unimpressedFailing to find remarkable
- unmovedNot stirred physically/emotionally
unswayed · questioning · suspicious · dubious · not buying it · raised eyebrows · side-eye · hard sell
Feigning belief or feeling
- superficialLacking depth or substance
- emptyHolding nothing inside
- shallowWithout much depth
- fakeNot the real thing
phony · disingenuous · forced · contrived · artificial · put-on · feigned · affected
unpersuasive
Failing to convince
- failingFlaw in one's nature
- unsuccessfulNot achieving desired outcome
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
fruitless · futile · powerless · impotent · ineffectual · uncompelling · unprovable · unsupported · baseless · groundless
unbelievable
Impossible to accept as true
- far-fetchedUnconvincingly unlikely or strained
- improbableNot likely true
- incredibleDefying easy belief
preposterous · absurd · unlikely · unrealistic · fantastical · illogical · irrational · inconceivable · questionable · suspect
feeble
Weak and ineffective
thin · lame · halfhearted · limp · pale · faint · anemic · lackluster · wishy-washy · meager
doubtful
Uncertain of truth
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
- incredulousExpressing unwillingness to believe
- unimpressedFailing to find remarkable
unmoved · unswayed · questioning · suspicious · dubious · not buying it · raised eyebrows · side-eye · hard sell · tough crowd
insincere
Feigning belief or feeling
- superficialLacking depth or substance
- emptyHolding nothing inside
- shallowWithout much depth
fake · phony · disingenuous · forced · contrived · artificial · put-on · feigned · affected · false
unconvincingconvincing
Able to persuade
persuasive · compelling · cogent · forceful · powerful