unreasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not guided by reason or logic, often in contexts where expectations or demands are considered excessive or irrational. Example: "The demands of the project were deemed unreasonable by the team, leading to a discussion about workload management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grievances aren't unreasonable, on either side, but the focus on fairness, by making it harder to reach any kind of agreement at all, could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

Wistrich said: "The officers who shot Jean Charles have a defence if they had an honest belief that they were under imminent threat, even if they were mistaken and their mistake was wholly unreasonable".

The Guardian

The law students help draft letters to landlords and tell students what costs are reasonable – and unreasonable.

The Guardian

London Live, owned by Lebedev, the publisher of the Independent and London Evening Standard, had portrayed the changes, which would have seen local programming per day reduced from 18 hours to eight hours, and from three hours to one hour in peak time, as "not unreasonable".

The Guardian

Is it unreasonable to think that a Lib Dem with a good local reputation and the experience of a former Scottish secretary would be better placed to hold Sturgeon to her promises than a 70-year-old retired teacher, even one with an interesting, multi-party CV like the SNP's Skene?

The Guardian

Even if Malthouse actually foresaw those personnel problems, it wouldn't have been unreasonable to assume that the decades-long success he'd had reshaping other clubs convinced him that he was up to the task at Carlton too.

The Guardian - Sport

If this is the case then the whole thing has backfired and was unreasonable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Sheku Bayoh death: family of man who died in police detention demand inquiry The family's lawyer Aamer Anwar told those gathered: "The family have never asked for anything unreasonable – they have simply asked for answers of what happened.

The Guardian

Missouri joins only South Dakota and Utah in making such an unreasonable demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first two are principles enshrined in the US constitution: in the fourth amendment that guarantees freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures; and in the structure of American government itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is unreasonable, for example, to ask us to further lower pensions".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or decisions, clarify what standards or expectations render them "unreasonable". Context is key to making your point effectively.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "unreasonable" without providing specific reasons or evidence. Always explain why the action or belief is considered irrational or excessive.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unreasonable" primarily functions to qualify nouns, indicating that they deviate from standards of reason, fairness, or acceptability. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in English. For instance, describing demands or expectations as "unreasonable" signals their excessiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unreasonable" is a common and versatile term used to describe something that deviates from reason, fairness, or acceptability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage make it suitable for diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it serves to express disapproval or highlight discrepancies. To use "unreasonable" effectively, always provide context and avoid overuse without justification. Alternatives such as "irrational", "excessive", and "unjustified" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrational

Focuses more on the lack of logical thought process.

excessive

Emphasizes that something is beyond normal or acceptable limits.

unjustified

Highlights the lack of a valid reason or excuse.

exorbitant

Implies that something (often a price or demand) is unfairly high.

inordinate

Similar to excessive, but may imply a lack of control or restraint.

outlandish

Suggests something is bizarre or unconventional to the point of being absurd.

preposterous

Indicates something is utterly absurd or ridiculous.

untenable

Focuses on the impossibility of defending or maintaining a position or argument.

absurd

Emphasizes the illogical or nonsensical nature of something.

unwarranted

Highlights the lack of a legitimate basis or need for something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "unreasonable"?

You can use alternatives like "irrational", "excessive", or "unjustified" depending on the context.

How to use "unreasonable" in a sentence?

The term "unreasonable" typically describes something that deviates from logic or fairness. For example, "The demands of the project were deemed unreasonable by the team." It can also describe someone's behavior: "His unreasonable demands led to conflict within the group."

What makes a demand "unreasonable"?

A demand is "unreasonable" when it is excessive, unfair, or not based on logical or justifiable grounds. It often exceeds what is considered acceptable or normal within a given context.

What is the difference between "unreasonable" and "irrational"?

"Unreasonable" generally implies a lack of fairness or justification, while "irrational" emphasizes a lack of logical thought. Something can be "unreasonable" even if there's a twisted logic behind it, but "irrational" actions are always devoid of sound reasoning.