Unalternativa

Unalternativa is a term used in discourse analysis to describe the presentation of a single option as the only viable alternative in political, social, or media contexts. It denotes a rhetorical or design strategy that narrows the perceived spectrum of choices available to audiences.

It is formed from the Spanish components una and alternativa, and appears in studies on rhetorical framing and choice architecture.

In political and policy discourse, unalternativa refers to situations in which actors present "this or nothing" as the sole viable option, thereby narrowing alternatives and shaping public perception.

In design and journalism, the term is used to critique interfaces, narratives, or campaigns that reduce the space of options for users or readers, often through framing, bias, or selective presentation.

Related concepts include false dichotomy, framing, and choice architecture. The term remains informal and is subject to interpretation, without a formal standard definition in major dictionaries.