Usammenhengende

Usammenhengende is an adjective used in Norwegian and Danish to describe something that lacks coherence, connection, or continuity. It is formed by adding the negating prefix u- (or us- in certain dialects) to sammenhengende, which comes from sammenheng meaning coherence or connection. The term can apply to discourse, arguments, writing, or data that do not form a clear, logical, or continuous whole.

In linguistic and educational contexts, usammenhengende is commonly used to critique texts or spoken language that jump between topics, fail to establish clear transitions, or do not present ideas in a logical sequence. It can also describe statements or arguments that are inconsistent or difficult to follow due to gaps in reasoning. In journalism or communication, labeling a piece as usammenhengende signals a need for improved structure, transitions, and overall flow.

Examples of use include a usammenhengende tekst, where paragraphs and sentences do not connect smoothly, or a usammenhengende argumentation that lacks a clear main claim and supporting steps. The term is typically contrasted with sammenhengende and is related to concepts of coherence and cohesion in discourse studies. In broader terms, it can describe anything that is not physically or conceptually connected as a continuous whole.

See also: sammenheng, kohærens (discourse coherence), textkohærens, coherence.