Implausible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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implausible

[ɪmˈplɔːzəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in storytelling

Not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince or persuade.

Synonyms

unbelievable, unconvincing, unlikely, unrealistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
implausible	Used when something seems not reasonable or hard to believe due to lack of credibility or logic. The idea of time travel in the 18th century would have been considered implausible. Her explanation for being late was so implausible that no one believed her.
unbelievable	Used to describe something so extraordinary or surprising that it can't easily be believed. Often has a positive or exaggerated connotation. The magician's performance was unbelievable; the audience was in awe. Her talents are unbelievable; she can play five instruments effortlessly.
unconvincing	Used when something fails to persuade or lacks compelling evidence. His alibi was unconvincing, and the jury didn't buy it. The special effects in the movie were so unconvincing that it ruined the experience.
unrealistic	Used when something is not practical or reasonable, often due to it being overly ambitious or out of touch with reality. Expecting to finish a ten-year project in one year is unrealistic. His dream of becoming a superhero is just unrealistic.
unlikely	Used when something is not expected to happen or is not probable. It's unlikely that it will rain today, but I'll carry an umbrella just in case. Given her schedule, it's unlikely she can attend the meeting.

Examples of usage

The plot twist was so implausible that it took away from the overall enjoyment of the movie.
The character's sudden change of heart was implausible and felt forced.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in general use

Unlikely to be true or to happen.

Synonyms

far-fetched, improbable, remote, unthinkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
implausible	Used when something is difficult to believe because it seems unlikely or illogical. His explanation for the missing money was totally implausible
improbable	Used when something is unlikely to happen or be true, but not impossible. Winning the lottery is highly improbable
far-fetched	Used to describe something that is unlikely and stretched beyond the realm of possibility, often in a more exaggerated way. The movie's plot was so far-fetched that it was hard to take seriously
unthinkable	Used for something that is so unlikely or shocking that it’s beyond one's imagination, often having a strong negative connotation. The idea of him betraying his friends was unthinkable
remote	Best used when something has a very small chance of happening. There is a remote possibility of rain tomorrow

Examples of usage

His excuse for being late was so implausible that no one believed him.
The chances of winning the lottery are extremely implausible.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Commonly used in fiction to describe events or scenarios that stretch credulity, which adds tension in storytelling.
In detective novels, the implausibility of a suspect’s alibi can lead readers to doubt their innocence.
Works like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' utilize implausible situations to create a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative.

Science

In scientific theories, an implausible hypothesis may be one that lacks supporting evidence or contradicts established facts.
The scientific method relies on testing ideas; if an idea consistently proves implausible, it's typically rejected.
In climate change debates, some proposals are deemed implausible due to a lack of feasible implementation strategies.

Pop Culture

Movies often feature implausible plot twists that shock audiences, sometimes leading to mixed reviews.
Fantasy genres thrive on the implausible, transporting viewers to worlds where anything is possible, like in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
Social media frequently amplifies implausible claims, requiring critical thinking to discern fact from fiction.

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance occurs when someone believes an implausible idea despite evidence to the contrary, causing mental discomfort.
Belief in implausible conspiracy theories can stem from a desire to find simple explanations for complex events.
People may be drawn to implausible stories due to their emotional engagement, often overshadowing logical reasoning.

Origin of 'implausible'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'implausibilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'plausibilis' means 'worthy of applause or belief'.
First recorded use in English dates back to the early 19th century, originally used in discussions of arguments and reasoning.
It reflects a combination of both negative (in-) and a positive trait (plausible) to highlight disbelief.

The word 'implausible' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'implausibilis', meaning 'not worthy of applause'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of something not seeming reasonable or likely. The prefix 'im-' signifies 'not' or 'opposite', while 'plausible' is derived from the Latin 'plausibilis', meaning 'worthy of applause'.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,485, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21482 finesse
21483 wafted
21484 cashed
21485 implausible
21486 bilaterally
21487 suffocating
21488 spatula
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