is not reasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not reasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is illogical, unfair, or not justifiable in a given context. Example: "The proposed budget cuts are not reasonable given the current economic climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not reasonable.

The New York Times

"It is not reasonable," he said.

The New Yorker

Your mother's request is not reasonable.

The New York Times

However while it may be rational, it is not reasonable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not reasonable to tax nonresident employees as well.

The New York Times

Implementing housing first is not reasonable without proper housing options.

The Guardian

He said: "We feel the decision is not reasonable".

The Guardian

The stakes are high because when hope is not reasonable, despair becomes real.

The Guardian - Opinion

It all sounds so reasonable, I said to them, but the situation is not reasonable.

The New York Times

It is not reasonable simply to place the responsibility upon Iraq's neighbours.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not reasonable to pick Indiana to pull off this upset.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not reasonable", ensure that you provide context or justification for why something is unreasonable. This strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is not reasonable" without explaining why. Always provide specific reasons or examples to support your claim. Otherwise, your statement may lack credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not reasonable" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a judgment or opinion about a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and conveys that something lacks justification, logic, or fairness. The provided examples demonstrate this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not reasonable" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a lack of justification, logic, or fairness. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and finds application in various contexts, particularly within News & Media and Science. While "is not reasonable" is suitable for neutral registers, remember to provide supporting evidence when using it to strengthen your arguments. By understanding its nuances and purpose, you can effectively communicate your perspective and engage in meaningful discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unjustifiable

Focuses on the lack of a valid reason or excuse.

is illogical

Highlights the absence of logical coherence or sense.

is untenable

Emphasizes the inability to be defended or maintained.

is unacceptable

Stresses the lack of approval or tolerance.

is not justified

Similar to unjustifiable, but with a slightly different emphasis.

is not sensible

Highlights the lack of good judgment or practical wisdom.

is inappropriate

Indicates that something is unsuitable or out of place.

is unwarranted

Suggests that something lacks a sufficient reason or basis.

is not advisable

Implies that a course of action is unwise or imprudent.

is out of line

Indicates that something exceeds the bounds of acceptable behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "is not reasonable" in a sentence?

You can use "is not reasonable" to express disagreement with a plan, suggestion, or action. For example, "It is not reasonable to expect everyone to work overtime without compensation."

What's the difference between "is not reasonable" and "is not rational"?

"Is not reasonable" often implies a lack of fairness or practicality, while "is not rational" focuses more on a lack of logical thought or coherence. While similar, their emphasis differs slightly.

What are some alternatives to saying "is not reasonable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is unjustifiable", "is illogical", or "is unacceptable".

Is it always negative to say something "is not reasonable"?

Yes, using the phrase "is not reasonable" generally carries a negative connotation, as it indicates disagreement, disapproval, or the perception of unfairness or impracticality. It suggests that something falls short of expectations or logical standards.