Incoherence: meaning, definitions and examples

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incoherence

[ˌɪn.koʊˈhɪr.əns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lack of logical connection

Incoherence is the state of being illogical or lacking clear connection between ideas or thoughts. It can result in confusion or misunderstanding.

Synonyms

confusion, disorder, illogicality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incoherence	Using 'incoherence' again would imply the same as the first entry regarding a lack of logical connection. The novel’s incoherence made it difficult to fully understand the plot. His incoherence during the interview cost him the job.
confusion	Refers to a state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind, often involving misunderstanding or lack of clarity. There was a lot of confusion about the new company's policies. He felt a sense of confusion when he couldn't find his way home.
disorder	Describes a state where things are messy, out of place, or not in order. It can also refer to a medical condition affecting mental or physical health. The room was in complete disorder after the party. She was diagnosed with a disorder that affects her cognitive abilities.
illogicality	Employed when something doesn't follow logical principles or reasoning, often in a formal or critical context. The illogicality of his argument was immediately obvious to the jury. She pointed out the illogicality in his reasoning during the debate.

Examples of usage

The incoherence of his argument made it difficult to follow.
She struggled to make sense of the incoherence in his speech.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mental state

Incoherence can also refer to a mental state where a person is unable to express their thoughts clearly or logically. It is often associated with conditions such as schizophrenia or delirium.

Synonyms

disorderliness, inarticulateness, rambling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incoherence	This word is best used when describing speech or writing that is difficult to understand because it lacks logical connections or consistency. The professor's lecture was filled with incoherence, making it hard for students to follow. The judge criticized the witness for the incoherence of their testimony.
disorderliness	Use this word when referring to the state of being untidy or in disarray, either physically or metaphorically. It often has a negative connotation. The disorderliness of her desk made it hard to find important documents. The disorderliness of the event planning led to many guests being confused.
rambling	Best used to describe speech or writing that is lengthy, confused, and seemingly without a clear focus or direction. It often carries a negative connotation. Her rambling speech frustrated the audience, who struggled to understand her main point. He sent a rambling email that nobody could make sense of.
inarticulateness	This word is used when someone has difficulty expressing their thoughts clearly or eloquently. It often implies a lack of ability or nervousness. His inarticulateness during the interview cost him the job. The young girl's inarticulateness made it hard for her to convey her emotions.

Examples of usage

The patient's incoherence was a symptom of his mental illness.
Her incoherence in conversation raised concerns about her well-being.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'incohaerens', meaning 'not sticking together'.
Incoherence has been used in English since the early 1600s to describe illogical speech or writing.
The prefix 'in-' means 'not', and 'coherence' refers to clarity and logical connection.

Psychology

Incoherence can often be associated with mental health issues, where thoughts may be disorganized.
Research shows that incoherent communication can create barriers in understanding, leading to conflicts.
People may perceive incoherence in conversations as a sign of stress or distraction in the speaker.

Literature

Incoherent writing styles can be a deliberate technique in modern literature to reflect chaotic thoughts.
Notable authors, like James Joyce, have used incoherence to challenge readers and depict complex ideas.
Incoherence in poetry often evokes emotions rather than clear narratives, inviting personal interpretation.

Philosophy

Philosophers discuss incoherence in arguments as it undermines rational discourse and truth.
Some theories posit that the universe itself may appear incoherent at a certain level of observation, prompting deeper inquiry.
Debates around incoherence often address the nature of reality and how we perceive it through language.

Communication

Incoherence in speech can lead to misunderstandings, making effective communication a crucial skill.
Public speaking courses emphasize the importance of coherence to maintain audience engagement.
Technology tools, like speech recognition software, often struggle with incoherent sentences, highlighting the need for clearer communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "incoherence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incoerência

🇮🇳 असंगति

🇩🇪 Inkohärenz

🇮🇩 ketidakkoherenan

🇺🇦 некогерентність

🇵🇱 niezwiązłość

🇯🇵 非一貫性 (ひいっかんせい)

🇫🇷 incohérence

🇪🇸 incoherencia

🇹🇷 tutarsızlık

🇰🇷 비일관성 (biilgwanseong)

🇸🇦 عدم التناسق

🇨🇿 nekonzistence

🇸🇰 nekonzistentnosť

🇨🇳 不一致 (bù yīzhì)

🇸🇮 nekoherenca

🇮🇸 ósamræmi

🇰🇿 үйлесімсіздік

🇬🇪 შეუთავსებლობა

🇦🇿 uyğunsuzluq

🇲🇽 incoherencia

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,188, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25185 inexplicably
25186 inflexibility
25187 ashy
25188 incoherence
25189 revitalized
25190 unobtainable
25191 shrugging
...