unreasonably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, behaviors, or expectations that are excessive or not based on sound reasoning. Example: "The demands placed on the employees were unreasonably high, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The policy should further consider whether all future funding agreements should contain a clause that stipulates that it is a condition of Australia Council funding that the applicant does not unreasonably refuse private sector funding, or does not unreasonably terminate an existing funding agreement with a private partner," Brandis wrote.

The Guardian

"Why are we getting him something to eat?" asks Tilly, not unreasonably because we don't normally do this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Accidents by Samuel Langley, another aviation pioneer, in 1903 prompted a "storm of derision and abuse" that incited Congress to pull its support for his unreasonably dangerous and seemingly pointless experiments – shortly before the Wright brothers finally achieved human flight.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Blagojevic suggests, not unreasonably, that this may have damaged his credibility.Two issues remain to be clarified.

The Economist

Not unreasonably, they point out that a two-tonne agricultural vehicle with restricted visibility is hardly the most useful machine when negotiating the undemanding, but dimensionally restricted, territory of an underground car park.

The Economist

The cost £2.7 billion—will take the government perilously close to its avowed borrowing limit (the Tories, not unreasonably, are calling Crewe the most expensive by-election in history).

The Economist

Last week, Ms Kroes warned the continent's largest power companies they could face tough antitrust penalties for squeezing out rivals and keeping utility prices unreasonably high.If the tie-up happens, it would put pressure on E.ON's big rivals, EDF and Italy's Enel, to snap up companies in other countries.

The Economist

It could also unreasonably single out people who are here legally, including many American citizens.

The Economist

Not unreasonably, investors have become edgy: over the past year, the FT/Standard & Poor's index of Asian-Pacific bank stocks has fallen by over a quarter.Spot the next crisisThe misery is spread widely.

The Economist

The future of the 13 "most wanted" men was still unsettled (Italy had been named as their future host, but then, not unreasonably, balked).

The Economist

China plans to foster the use of roads for freight and commercial travel, he says, while discouraging car use for leisure travel and commuting.Not unreasonably, Mr Zhang expects that the differences between the Chinese and American systems of government will make it considerably easier for the government to implement the hefty road tolls and fuel taxes to do it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unreasonably", ensure it is followed by a verb or adjective that clearly demonstrates the lack of reason. For example, "unreasonably demanding" or "unreasonably delayed".

Common error

Avoid using "unreasonably" when describing purely subjective opinions. Focus on objective criteria to support the assertion of unreasonableness. For instance, instead of saying "He was unreasonably upset", provide context like "He was unreasonably upset given the minor nature of the mistake."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unreasonably" functions primarily to modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs, indicating that an action, quality, or manner is excessive, unjustified, or lacking in reason. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment and demonstrated across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonably" is a versatile adverb used to express that something lacks proper justification or is excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news media reflects its role in critical analysis. When writing, ensure that the use of "unreasonably" is supported by objective criteria rather than subjective opinions. Alternatives like "unduly", "excessively", or "unfairly" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its grammatical function and appropriate contexts, one can effectively use "unreasonably" to convey disapproval or highlight a lack of reason.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unduly

This term suggests an excessive or inappropriate degree, similar to "unreasonably" but can sometimes imply a lack of necessity more strongly.

excessively

Focuses on the quantity or degree being beyond what is normal or acceptable, akin to "unreasonably" in terms of exceeding acceptable limits.

inordinately

Implies an exceeding of reasonable bounds or limits, emphasizing the disproportionate nature of the action.

unjustifiably

This phrase suggests a lack of justification, legality, or fairness. Close in meaning to "unreasonably", with a focus on the absence of valid reasons.

inappropriately

Indicates that something is not suitable or fitting for the situation, overlapping with "unreasonably" when the lack of suitability stems from a lack of reason.

unfairly

Highlights the inequitable or biased nature of an action or decision, similar to "unreasonably" when the action lacks fair justification.

arbitrarily

Suggests actions based on random choice or personal whim, without any reason or system. Overlaps with "unreasonably" in the sense of lacking logical basis.

irrationally

Focuses on the lack of logical thought or clear thinking behind an action, akin to "unreasonably" in its emphasis on the absence of reason.

absurdly

This term implies something is ridiculous or nonsensical, similar to how "unreasonably" suggests a lack of sensible rationale.

preposterously

Emphasizes the outrageous or absurd nature of something, akin to "unreasonably" in its depiction of something beyond reasonable limits.

FAQs

How can I use "unreasonably" in a sentence?

Use "unreasonably" to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating a lack of reason or justification. For example, "The company was "unreasonably demanding" of its employees" or "The decision was "unreasonably delayed".

What are some alternatives to the word "unreasonably"?

You can use alternatives such as "unduly", "excessively", "unfairly", or "arbitrarily" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to use the word "unreasonably"?

Yes, using "unreasonably" typically implies a negative judgment or criticism, suggesting that something lacks justification, fairness, or logic. It often carries a connotation of being excessive or inappropriate.

Which is correct, "not unreasonably" or "not unreasonably so"?

"Not "not unreasonably"" is the more common and grammatically sound phrase. Adding "so" is redundant, though not strictly incorrect, it is less frequently used. For example, "Not unreasonably, they expected a refund."