Idioms are an integral part of our language, adding color and nuance to our communication. They often convey meanings that go beyond their literal interpretations, making our speech and writing more engaging and expressive. Understanding idioms can enhance your language skills and help you communicate more effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 alternative ways to say “Doesn’t Make Sense,” providing a variety of expressions to enrich your vocabulary.
Is it Professional to Say “Doesn’t Make Sense”?
Appropriate Contexts
- Direct Communication: If you have a collegial relationship and the communication is straightforward and informal.
- Example: “This approach doesn’t make sense given our current resources.”
- Constructive Feedback: When providing feedback in a way that aims to improve or clarify.
- Example: “The proposal doesn’t make sense in its current form because it lacks data to support its conclusions.”
Potential Pitfalls
- Perceived as Dismissive: It might come across as blunt or dismissive, potentially offending the recipient.
- Instead of “This doesn’t make sense,” try “I’m having trouble understanding how this approach will work.”
- Lack of Specificity: It may not provide enough detail about why something doesn’t make sense, leading to confusion.
- Instead of “This doesn’t make sense,” try “Can you clarify this part? I’m not sure how it aligns with our goals.”
Alternatives
- Seek Clarification: Ask questions to better understand the point being made.
- Example: “Can you help me understand this part better?”
- Express Confusion Diplomatically: Phrase your confusion in a way that opens up dialogue.
- Example: “I’m not sure I follow this reasoning. Could you elaborate?”
- Provide Specific Feedback: Point out the exact issues.
- Example: “This section seems unclear. How does this data support our overall strategy?”
Example Scenarios
- Email to a Colleague:
- Less Professional: “Your report doesn’t make sense.”
- More Professional: “Could you clarify some points in your report? I’m having trouble understanding the main argument.”
- Meeting Discussion:
- Less Professional: “That plan doesn’t make sense.”
- More Professional: “I see some potential issues with that plan. Could we discuss how it fits with our current objectives?”
- Client Communication:
- Less Professional: “Your requirements don’t make sense.”
- More Professional: “We need more details to understand your requirements fully. Could you provide additional context?”
List of Professional Ways to Say “Doesn’t Make Sense”
- Is illogical
- Is nonsensical
- Is irrational
- Is unreasonable
- Is confusing
- Is baffling
- Is unclear
- Is incomprehensible
- Is puzzling
- Is perplexing
- Is bewildering
- Is inconsistent
- Is contradictory
- Is incongruous
- Is absurd
- Is unclear
- Is vague
- Is unintelligible
- Is senseless
- Is inconceivable
- Is preposterous
- Is disjointed
- Is incoherent
- Is muddled
- Is convoluted
Is illogical
“Is illogical” suggests that something lacks logical coherence or reasoning. This phrase is often used in both formal and informal settings to describe arguments, plans, or statements that do not follow a logical structure.
Example:
“The proposal is illogical because it contradicts the company’s mission.”
Is nonsensical
“Is nonsensical” means that something is absurd or makes no sense at all. It’s often used to describe ideas, statements, or actions that are irrational or silly.
Example:
“Her explanation is nonsensical and didn’t address the main issue.”

Is irrational
“Is irrational” indicates a lack of reason or logic. This phrase is often used in formal contexts to describe decisions, behaviors, or beliefs that are not based on rational thinking.
Example:
“The fear of harmless spiders is irrational and unfounded.”
Is unreasonable
“Is unreasonable” suggests that something is not fair or sensible. This phrase is commonly used to describe demands, expectations, or actions that are excessive or unjustified.
Example:
“Asking employees to work 12-hour shifts without extra pay is unreasonable.”
Is confusing
“Is confusing” implies that something is difficult to understand or causes confusion. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Example:
“The new policy is confusing and needs further clarification.”
Other Ways To Say “Are We Still On?”
Is baffling
“Is baffling” suggests that something is perplexing or difficult to understand. It’s often used to describe situations or behaviors that are inexplicable.
Example:
“The decision to cancel the event at the last minute is baffling.”
Is unclear
“Is unclear” means that something is not easy to understand or lacks clarity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
“The instructions are unclear and need to be revised.”
Is incomprehensible
“Is incomprehensible” indicates that something is impossible to understand. It’s often used to describe complex or illogical situations.
Example:
“The technical jargon in the report is incomprehensible to most readers.”
Is puzzling
“Is puzzling” suggests that something is mysterious or difficult to understand. It’s often used to describe situations or problems that require further investigation.
Example:
“The drop in sales despite increased marketing efforts is puzzling.”
Is perplexing
“Is perplexing” means that something is confusing and difficult to understand. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
“The sudden change in her behavior is perplexing to everyone.”
Is bewildering
“Is bewildering” suggests that something is extremely confusing or difficult to understand. It’s often used to describe overwhelming or complex situations.
Example:
“The number of options available is bewildering.”
Is inconsistent
“Is inconsistent” indicates a lack of consistency or reliability. This phrase is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or data that do not follow a regular pattern.
Example:
“The data from the experiment is inconsistent with previous results.”
Is contradictory
“Is contradictory” means that something contains conflicting or opposing ideas. This phrase is often used in formal contexts to describe statements, arguments, or behaviors that are self-contradictory.
Example:
“His statements are contradictory and cannot both be true.”
Is incongruous
“Is incongruous” suggests that something is out of place or not in harmony with its surroundings. It’s often used to describe elements that do not fit together logically.
Example:
“The modern art piece is incongruous with the traditional decor of the room.”
Is absurd
“Is absurd” means that something is ridiculous or wildly unreasonable. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
“The idea of building a skyscraper in the middle of the desert is absurd.”
Is vague
“Is vague” indicates a lack of clarity or precision. This phrase is often used to describe statements, instructions, or ideas that are not clearly defined.
Example:
“The memo is vague and does not specify the deadlines.”
Is unintelligible
“Is unintelligible” means that something is impossible to understand. It’s often used to describe speech, writing, or signals that are unclear or garbled.
Example:
“The message was unintelligible due to poor reception.”
Is senseless
“Is senseless” suggests that something lacks meaning, purpose, or logic. It’s often used to describe actions, decisions, or events that are unreasonable.
Example:
“The violence in the movie is senseless and gratuitous.”

Is inconceivable
“Is inconceivable” indicates that something is beyond belief or understanding. This phrase is often used to describe ideas, events, or actions that are hard to imagine.
Example:
“The notion that we could survive without water is inconceivable.”
Is preposterous
“Is preposterous” means that something is absurd or ridiculous. It’s often used to describe ideas, suggestions, or actions that are wildly unreasonable.
Example:
“The proposal to double the workload without increasing pay is preposterous.”
Is disjointed
“Is disjointed” suggests that something is not well-organized or lacks a logical flow. This phrase is often used to describe speech, writing, or arguments that are fragmented or incoherent.
Example:
“His presentation was disjointed and hard to follow.”
Is incoherent
“Is incoherent” indicates a lack of clarity or logical connection. This phrase is often used to describe speech, writing, or thought processes that are confusing or disorganized.
Example:
“The suspect’s testimony is incoherent and full of contradictions.”
Is muddled
“Is muddled” suggests that something is confused or disorganized. It’s often used to describe thoughts, ideas, or plans that are not clearly structured.
Example:
“The plot of the movie is muddled and difficult to follow.”
Is convoluted
“Is convoluted” means that something is overly complex and difficult to understand. This phrase is often used to describe explanations, arguments, or plans that are unnecessarily complicated.
Example:
“The instructions for assembling the furniture are convoluted and hard to follow.”
Final Thoughts
Idioms enrich our language by adding depth and nuance to our communication. They help us convey complex ideas, emotions, and cultural contexts more effectively. By incorporating idiomatic expressions into your speech and writing, you can enhance your ability to connect with others and express yourself more vividly.
Understanding and using idioms not only improves your language skills but also makes your communication more engaging and dynamic. So, embrace the richness of idioms and let them add color and clarity to your conversations!

I’m Noah Wilson, the test-prep pro at “English WRAP Up.” I’ve been helping students navigate the challenges of TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG, making the learning process a whole lot of fun. Over at English WRAP Up, we’re here to make your test prep incredible. Let’s wrap up your English exams with confidence and skill together!