fallacious

[ fuh-ley-shuhs ]

adjective

1. containing a fallacy; logically unsound:

   fallacious arguments.

2. deceptive; misleading:

   fallacious testimony.

3. disappointing; delusive:

   a fallacious peace.

fallacious

/ fəˈleɪʃəs /

adjective

1. containing or involving a fallacy; illogical; erroneous
2. tending to mislead
3. delusive or disappointing

   a fallacious hope

Derived Forms

• falˈlaciousness, noun
• falˈlaciously, adverb

Other Words From

• fal·lacious·ly adverb
• fal·lacious·ness noun
• nonfal·lacious adjective
• nonfal·lacious·ly adverb
• nonfal·lacious·ness noun
• unfal·lacious adjective
• unfal·lacious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of fallacious¹

First recorded in 1500–10, fallacious is from the Latin word fallāciōsus deceitful, deceptive. See fallacy, -ous

Example Sentences

Podcasters validate their fears and doubts, cite fallacious research, or more speciously, quote the all-purpose source of “some” or “they” without evidence.

From Salon

Prosecutors contend that Biden’s lawyers have mischaracterized the IRS’ leniency programs and say it is “utterly fallacious” that amid the pandemic, “the IRS effectively immunized all who willfully failed to pay their income taxes.”

From Los Angeles Times

With the explosive growth of fake news by propagandists—Russians included—journalists and internet and digital service providers must become more critical and bolder in refusing to report on blatant lies, or at least greatly qualifying the fallacious claims.

From Salon

Eritrea’s information minister on Wednesday called the report “fallacious.”

From Washington Times

He argued that the constitutional change had reset the clock to zero, but legal experts in Senegal and abroad dismissed the contention as fallacious.

From New York Times