unreasonable behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable behavior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that are not based on reason or logic, often implying that such behavior is excessive or irrational. Example: "The committee decided to take action against the employee due to his unreasonable behavior during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

People going through a divorce say the unreasonable behavior element just creates more trauma.

The New York Times

According to papers released by the court, the report said, Madonna petitioned for divorce, citing Mr. Ritchie's "unreasonable behavior".

The New York Times - Arts

The film, written by '71 scribe Gregory Burke, will be based on McCullin's autobiography, Unreasonable Behavior, according to Deadline.

The Guardian - Film

Our forefathers chose not to tolerate the unreasonable behavior of the English, and Ms. Palin decided that she and her family could no longer tolerate the unrelenting, vicious attacks of her enemies.

The New York Times

About half of the cases fall under the heading of a broad category called unreasonable behavior, in which one party has to accuse the other of acting so unreasonably that living together has become intolerable.

The New York Times

After hearing five weeks of evidence contradicting the original account, it determined on Tuesday that Mr. Tomlinson had in fact been "unlawfully killed" by the "excessive and unreasonable" behavior of the police officer who hit him, Police Constable Simon Harwood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

With the Jorgensen conviction, it could be argued that she "recklessly" chose to live in a dangerous neighborhood, or she saw the gun but didn't duck, or committed countless other "unreasonable" behaviors that, no matter how extreme the logic, could be used against her.

Huffington Post

Sleep well.

Vice

So why does a work title in the workplace give people power to 'lord' it over others with unreasonable demands and behaviors?

Huffington Post

A18 Liability Protection for Police The Supreme Court ruled, 6 to 3, that a lawsuit against an officer for excessive force must be dismissed even if the behavior was unreasonable, if a reasonable officer could have made the same mistake.

The New York Times

In spite of his erratic behavior & unreasonable financial & personal demands during the match, he has made world headlines & popular features of a totally abstract, esoteric, terribly narrow cerebral hobby; he has generated a chess fever across the U.S. Tells about his background & some of his games.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of the phrase. While it generally implies a lack of reason, the impact can vary. Using stronger language like "abusive" or "erratic" may be appropriate if the situation warrants it.

Common error

Avoid using "unreasonable behavior" as a vague label without providing concrete examples. To enhance clarity and credibility, specify the actions or patterns of behavior that are deemed unreasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable behavior" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unreasonable" modifies the noun "behavior". It serves to describe actions or conduct that deviate from what is considered logical, rational, or acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonable behavior" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes actions lacking reason or justification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively labels conduct that deviates from acceptable norms and rational expectations. Its prevalence in news media, scientific publications, and formal documents indicates a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to provide concrete examples to enhance clarity and impact. Alternative phrasing, such as "irrational conduct" or "inappropriate conduct", can provide a more specific meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrational conduct

Focuses more on the lack of reason behind the behavior.

illogical actions

Emphasizes the lack of logical consistency in the actions taken.

erratic behavior

Highlights the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of the behavior.

inappropriate conduct

Indicates that the behavior is not suitable or fitting for the situation.

unjustifiable actions

Stresses the lack of a valid reason or excuse for the actions.

unwarranted behavior

Suggests the behavior is not justified or deserved.

deviant behavior

Implies a departure from accepted norms or standards.

outrageous conduct

Highlights the shocking and offensive nature of the behavior.

unacceptable actions

Indicates that the actions are not tolerable or permissible.

arbitrary actions

Focuses on the random and unsupported nature of the actions.

FAQs

How can I use "unreasonable behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "unreasonable behavior" to describe actions that are irrational or excessive. For example, "The employee was reprimanded for his "unreasonable behavior" during the meeting." Consider using more specific terms like "erratic behavior" or "inappropriate conduct" for greater precision.

What are some alternatives to "unreasonable behavior"?

Alternatives include "irrational conduct", "illogical actions", or "inappropriate conduct" depending on the specific context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the problematic behavior.

Is it better to use "unreasonable behavior" or "unacceptable behavior"?

The choice depends on the context. "Unreasonable behavior" focuses on the lack of logic or reason behind the actions, while "unacceptable behavior" emphasizes that the actions violate established norms or rules. If the problem is not the behaviour but the fact that the actions violates norms or rules, prefer "unacceptable behavior".

When is "unreasonable behavior" a legal term?

In some legal contexts, particularly in family law (divorce cases in England), "unreasonable behavior" can be cited as grounds for divorce, indicating that one party's actions have made it intolerable for the couple to continue living together. Other times, even when the behaviour seems objectively unreasonable, a reasonable police officer can make the same mistake.