fallacious
Americanadjective
-
containing a fallacy; logically unsound.
fallacious arguments.
-
deceptive; misleading.
fallacious testimony.
-
disappointing; delusive.
a fallacious peace.
adjective
-
containing or involving a fallacy; illogical; erroneous
-
tending to mislead
-
delusive or disappointing
a fallacious hope
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of fallacious
First recorded in 1500–10, fallacious is from the Latin word fallāciōsus deceitful, deceptive. See fallacy, -ous
Explanation
Something fallacious is a mistake that comes from too little information or unsound sources. Predictions that the whole state of California will snap off from the rest of North America and float away have proven to be fallacious — for now, anyway. Fallacious comes ultimately from the Latin fallax, "deceptive." The word fallacious might describe an intentional deception or a false conclusion coming from bad science or incomplete understanding. A tween's assumption that anyone over 20 can't understand her situation would be fallacious; we have all been young once too.
Vocabulary lists containing fallacious
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Common Sense," Vocabulary from the pamphlet
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"'Blaxicans' and Other Reinvented Americans," Vocabulary from the argument
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yet, with a pleasing sorcery, could charm Pain for a while or anguish, and excite Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdured breast With stubborn patience as with triple steel.
From Paradise Lost by Milton, John
Yet with a pleasing sorcery could charm Pain, for a while, or anguish; and excite Fallacious Hope, or arm the obdurate breast With stubborn Patience, as with triple steel.
From Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion by Hume, David
Fallacious proofs of this proposition have been published by many writers, including myself, but up to the present no valid proof has been discovered.
From Our Knowledge of the External World as a Field for Scientific Method in Philosophy by Russell, Bertrand
Fallacious enough doctrine when wielded against one's prejudices, but in corroboration of cherished suspicions not without likelihood.
From The Confidence-Man by Melville, Herman
Fallacious hopes of coming “posts,” averted for a time my coming wretchedness—three weeks, and not a line!
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, October 2, 1841 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
