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Unscientific: meaning, definitions and examples

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unscientific

 

[ ʌnˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lacking scientific rigor

The term 'unscientific' refers to methods or beliefs that do not adhere to the principles and practices of the scientific method. This means that the claims made are not based on empirical evidence or systematic observation. Unscientific approaches often rely on anecdotal evidence and personal beliefs rather than rigorous testing and analysis. They can be found in various fields, including pseudoscience and certain alternative medicine practices, which lack verifiable and reproducible results.

Synonyms

illogical, irrational, non-scientific, pseudo-scientific, unreliable

Examples of usage

  • Many unscientific theories are dismissed by the scientific community.
  • The report was criticized for its unscientific approach to data collection.
  • Unscientific methodologies can lead to misleading conclusions.

Translations

Translations of the word "unscientific" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não científico

🇮🇳 अवैज्ञानिक

🇩🇪 unwissenschaftlich

🇮🇩 tidak ilmiah

🇺🇦 ненауковий

🇵🇱 naukowy

🇯🇵 非科学的な

🇫🇷 non scientifique

🇪🇸 no científico

🇹🇷 bilimsel olmayan

🇰🇷 비과학적인

🇸🇦 غير علمي

🇨🇿 nevědecký

🇸🇰 nevedecký

🇨🇳 非科学的

🇸🇮 neznanstven

🇮🇸 óvísindalegur

🇰🇿 ғылыми емес

🇬🇪 არამეცნიერო

🇦🇿 elmi olmayan

🇲🇽 no científico

Etymology

The word 'unscientific' is formed by the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with the word 'scientific', which itself derives from the Latin 'scientia', meaning 'knowledge'. This term began to take its contemporary form in the late 19th century as the scientific method was increasingly recognized as the standard for legitimate inquiry across various disciplines. As science became more centralized in academic and research institutions, the distinction between scientific and unscientific approaches gained importance, especially during debates on issues like evolution versus creationism, and later, in the discussions surrounding climate change. Over time, the term has been used in various contexts to criticize methodologies or beliefs that lack empirical support, emphasizing the need for rigorous standards in the pursuit of knowledge.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,097, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.