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Unreasonable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unreasonable

 

[ˌʌnˈriːz(ə)nəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not guided by or based on good sense. Acting or thinking without the use of reason or good judgment.

Synonyms

absurd, illogical, irrational, senseless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unreasonable

Used when describing demands, expectations, or behaviors that are not fair or sensible.

  • It is unreasonable to expect employees to work twelve-hour shifts without breaks
  • His demands for special treatment were completely unreasonable
irrational

Describes behavior, thoughts, or actions that lack reason or clear rationale, often influenced by emotions.

  • His fear of flying is completely irrational
  • She made an irrational decision based purely on her emotions
illogical

Used to describe something that does not follow a logical order or reasoning.

  • Her argument was illogical and didn't make much sense
  • It's illogical to think that skipping meals will improve your health
senseless

Used for actions, events, or behaviors that lack meaning, purpose, or sense. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The senseless violence in the movie disturbed many viewers
  • It was a senseless argument that led to nothing productive
absurd

Appropriate for situations, statements, or actions that are so ridiculous or out of touch with reality that they are laughable or hard to believe.

  • The idea that he could finish the project in one day is absolutely absurd
  • She found the entire situation to be absurd and couldn't stop laughing

Examples of usage

  • Her unreasonable demands were causing tension in the office.
  • His unreasonable behavior towards his colleagues made him unpopular at work.
  • It was unreasonable of him to expect everyone to work overtime without pay.
Context #2 | Adjective

price

Excessively high or expensive. Beyond what is fair or acceptable.

Synonyms

exorbitant, outrageous, unjustifiable, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unreasonable

Applied when describing something not based on good judgment or logic.

  • The demands of the employees were deemed unreasonable by the management.
  • It is unreasonable to expect that kind of response time.
exorbitant

Used to describe something excessively high in cost or price.

  • The rent in that part of the city is exorbitant.
  • They charge exorbitant fees for their services.
outrageous

Used for something shockingly bad or excessive, often causing anger or strong reactions.

  • His behavior at the meeting was outrageous.
  • The price of the concert tickets is outrageous.
unjustifiable

Indicates something that cannot be justified or is indefensible.

  • The cuts to the education budget are unjustifiable.
  • His actions are completely unjustifiable.
unwarranted

Refers to something not justified or authorized; often used for criticism or actions.

  • The police search was deemed unwarranted.
  • Such harsh criticism is unwarranted.

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant charges unreasonable prices for their food.
  • The landlord demanded an unreasonable amount of money for the small apartment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unreasonable' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'reasonable,' which means fair or sensible.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word ‘rationabilis,’ meaning ‘able to be reckoned or counted.’
  • The prefix 'un-' generally conveys negation, meaning the opposite of what follows.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, what is 'unreasonable' often relates to ethical considerations about fairness and justice.
  • Philosophers have argued what constitutes 'reason' and if certain beliefs or actions can be deemed unreasonable.
  • In debates, labeling an opposing view as unreasonable can serve as a rhetorical strategy to undermine its validity.

Psychology

  • Many psychologists study how perceptions of 'unreasonableness' can lead to stress or conflict in interpersonal relationships.
  • Cognitive biases can cause people to perceive others' demands as unreasonable when they differ from their own views.
  • Understanding the emotional impact of being called 'unreasonable' can help in conflict resolution strategies.

Law

  • 'Unreasonable' is often used in legal contexts to assess the fairness or rationality of actions, such as in contracts or disputes.
  • Judicial decisions sometimes hinge on what is considered 'reasonable' behavior in different circumstances.
  • In tort law, 'unreasonable' actions can lead to liability for damages because they deviate from accepted standards.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often embody unreasonableness to highlight conflict or comedic elements.
  • Unreasonable demands are a common trope in sitcoms, driving plot points and character dynamics.
  • Music and songs often refer to being 'unreasonable' in the context of love and relationships, reflecting emotional struggles.

Translations

Translations of the word "unreasonable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irracional

🇮🇳 असंगत

🇩🇪 unvernünftig

🇮🇩 tidak masuk akal

🇺🇦 нерозумний

🇵🇱 nierozsądny

🇯🇵 不合理な (fugōri na)

🇫🇷 déraisonnable

🇪🇸 irracional

🇹🇷 mantıksız

🇰🇷 비합리적인 (bihamrijeogin)

🇸🇦 غير معقول

🇨🇿 nerozumný

🇸🇰 nerozumný

🇨🇳 不合理的 (bù hélǐ de)

🇸🇮 nerazumen

🇮🇸 órökréttur

🇰🇿 ақылға қонымсыз

🇬🇪 გაუგებარი

🇦🇿 məntiqsiz

🇲🇽 irracional

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,020 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.