Fallacy: meaning, definitions and examples

logical reasoning

A fallacy is a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound arguments. It is an incorrect argument in logic and rhetoric which may appear to be correct, but is not. Fallacies are often used in debates and arguments to deceive or manipulate others.

deception, error, misconception

Examples of usage

• His argument was full of fallacies and did not hold up to scrutiny.

• She used the fallacy of appeal to authority to try to convince the audience.

• The politician's speech was riddled with fallacies and inaccuracies.

• The most common fallacy is the slippery slope argument.

• Be aware of the fallacy of composition, where what is true for parts may not be true for the whole.