unreasonable restriction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable restriction" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing limitations that are deemed excessive or unjust. For example, "The new policy imposes an unreasonable restriction on employee freedoms." Alternative expressions include "excessive limitation" and "unjust constraint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

These lower-resolution photographs have been available at the archive site, although watermarked and with rules against commercial use (an unreasonable restriction by Wikipedia terms).

The New York Times - Tech

But, she said, "In the context of all the blatantly pro-fracking actions that the board has taken, this is an unreasonable restriction".

The New York Times

But being required to keep one's mouth shut about one of the most exciting and brilliantly-realised genre movies of the year - due to the current UK embargo on reviews - does feel like a mighty unreasonable restriction on one's freedoms, damn it!

The Guardian - Film

An unreasonable restriction on the number of occupants can have the effect of discriminating against families with children.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In American law similar restrictions may be imposed, but unreasonable restrictions are disallowed by the courts.

Britannica

Still, they chafed against their male superiors' unreasonable restrictions and harsh dictates.

The New York Times

The new inquiry will look at whether sections 18C and 18D impose unreasonable restrictions on free speech.

The Guardian

Canavan said "unreasonable restrictions on land release" were part of the reason homes were out of reach for his generation, but that was "largely a state issue".

The Guardian

The parliamentary inquiry is examining whether sections 18C and 18D imposed unreasonable restrictions on free speech, and whether the complaints-handling procedures of the commission should be reformed.

The Guardian

For the sake of the millions of women like me who suffer from uterine fibroids, we must demand the immediate release of this drug without unreasonable restrictions.

The New York Times

After a recent post on Jodhpur's emergence as an education hub, India Ink received comments describing unreasonable restrictions on college campuses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When arguing against a rule, use "unreasonable restriction" to frame it as unfair and excessive. This can strengthen your position by appealing to principles of justice and proportionality.

Common error

Avoid using "unreasonable restriction" when you simply mean an inconvenient one. "Unreasonable" implies injustice or excessiveness, whereas "inconvenient" simply means causing trouble or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable restriction" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "unreasonable" modifies the noun "restriction". It describes a limitation or condition that is considered excessive, unfair, or unjustified. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unreasonable restriction" is a grammatically correct and widely understood expression used to describe a limitation that is considered excessive, unfair, or unjustified. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources indicates that while not exceedingly common, this phrase is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. It's typically employed to criticize or express disapproval, highlighting the perceived injustice of a rule or policy. When using the phrase, it's important to differentiate it from simply "inconvenient" restrictions, as the former implies a stronger sense of injustice or excessiveness. Closely related alternatives include "excessive limitation" and "undue constraint".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive limitation

Emphasizes the degree to which the restriction goes beyond what is acceptable or necessary.

undue constraint

Highlights the inappropriate or disproportionate burden imposed by the restriction.

unjustified limitation

Focuses on the lack of legitimate reasons for the restriction's existence.

disproportionate constraint

Indicates the imbalance between the restriction and the situation it aims to address.

unwarranted limitation

Stresses the absence of a valid need or reason for the restriction.

onerous condition

Highlights the burdensome or oppressive nature of the restriction.

gratuitous impediment

Suggests that the restriction is unnecessary and serves no useful purpose.

arbitrary imposition

Emphasizes the lack of rationale or fairness in the restriction's application.

unconscionable demand

Highlights the unfair or shocking nature of the imposed condition.

extreme encumbrance

Emphasizes the significant burden or obstacle created by the restriction.

FAQs

How to use "unreasonable restriction" in a sentence?

You can use "unreasonable restriction" to describe a rule or condition that is considered unfair or excessive. For example, "The company's new policy places an "unreasonable restriction" on employee's personal time."

What can I say instead of "unreasonable restriction"?

You can use alternatives like "excessive limitation", "undue constraint", or "unjustified limitation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unreasonable restriction" or "unreasonable constraint"?

Both ""unreasonable restriction"" and "unreasonable constraint" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Restriction" implies a limitation or control, while "constraint" suggests a limitation on freedom or action.

What's the difference between "unreasonable restriction" and "unfair restriction"?

While similar, ""unreasonable restriction"" focuses on the excessive or disproportionate nature of the limitation, whereas "unfair restriction" emphasizes the lack of justice or equity in its application.