Meaning
Fallacious means based on a mistaken belief or containing a logical error. It describes reasoning, arguments, or ideas that seem correct but are actually false or misleading.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Adjective
- Related noun: fallacy (a mistaken belief or false argument)
- Used to modify nouns like argument, reasoning, conclusion, claim, or assumption.
Typical structure:
- fallacious argument
- fallacious reasoning
- a fallacious assumption that...
Common Phrases
- fallacious reasoning — incorrect logic or misleading reasoning
- fallacious argument — an argument that appears valid but is actually false
- fallacious claim — a statement that is deceptive or untrue
Collocations
- adopt / rely on / expose a fallacious argument
- based on / built on fallacious reasoning
- completely / clearly / logically fallacious
Examples
- His conclusion was based on fallacious reasoning.
- It’s fallacious to assume that more money always means more happiness.
- The politician’s argument sounded convincing but was fallacious.
- Many people hold fallacious beliefs about health and diet.
- The report was rejected because it contained several fallacious assumptions.
- Don’t be misled by his fallacious claim that the economy is improving.
- A fallacious comparison can distort the truth of the issue.
Synonyms or Related
- false
- misleading
- deceptive
- incorrect
- invalid
- erroneous
Antonym
- valid
- sound
- logical
- accurate