compelling

American  

[kuhm-pel-ing] / kəmˈpɛl ɪŋ /

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.

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compelling British  

/ kəmˈpɛlɪŋ /

adjective

1. arousing or denoting strong interest, esp admiring interest

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

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Other Word Forms

• uncompelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of compelling

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

Example Sentences

“A quick assessment of the impact of spot pricing on ALK reveals some compelling leverage.”

From The Wall Street Journal

An independent report has found the six councillors had breached codes of conduct compelling them uphold professional standards and was published ahead of the Denton and Gorton by-election.

From BBC

Art requires distance, and Tanner is so genuinely in the grip of intense family emotion that this father and son sometimes seem more real than theatrically compelling.

From Los Angeles Times

Profit margins for banks and card networks, and there is no compelling public policy reason to protect those.

From Los Angeles Times

That reflects OceanX's view that compelling images make research more accessible and impactful.

From Barron's

Related Words

• fascinating