Unreasonable: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Indicates something that cannot be justified or is indefensible.

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

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

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