compelling

[kuhm-pel-ing]

adjective

1. tending to compel, as to force or push toward a course of action; overpowering.

   There were compelling reasons for their divorce.

2. having a powerful and irresistible effect; requiring acute admiration, attention, or respect.

   a man of compelling integrity; a compelling drama.

compelling

/ kəmˈpɛlɪŋ /

adjective

1. arousing or denoting strong interest, esp admiring interest

2. (of an argument, evidence, etc) convincing

Other Word Forms

• uncompelling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compelling¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; compel + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"BHP is confident in the highly compelling potential of its own organic growth strategy," it added.

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They include being able to give evidence remotely and not being re-investigated unless there are "compelling" reasons.

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What most generously believed was a blip, based on the compelling evidence of Slot's first title-winning campaign last season, is now a full-blown crisis for Liverpool and their beleaguered head coach.

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It also said its case for having the deal approved was "compelling" and would comply with UK regulations, as there would be no foreign state investment or capital in the funding structure.

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Especially compelling are his accounts of projects that didn’t pan out, such as “Sick in the Head,” the only sitcom Mr. Apatow ever made before a live audience.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fascinating