wholly unreasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly unreasonable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely lacking in reason or justification. Example: "The demands made by the opposing party were deemed wholly unreasonable by the judge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's not a wholly unreasonable story.

The New Yorker

That is not wholly unreasonable; but it should be restricted to bilateral discussions with Afghanistan's government.

The Economist

I hear your frustration, and your impulse doesn't strike me as wholly unreasonable.

The New York Times

So the notion that he should take responsibility for the fiasco does not seem wholly unreasonable.

The Guardian - Books

Though too many were swept away in a collective longing to see hope triumph over experience, none of it seemed wholly unreasonable at the time.

The Economist

If you've told me the whole truth then you may be guilty of handling things badly, but certainly not of wholly unreasonable behaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It seems to me that the Court in this case carries the Court-made doctrine of excluding evidence that is 'fruit of the poisonous tree' to a wholly illogical and completely unreasonable extent.

Cornell University

That's not entirely unreasonable.

The New Yorker

This is completely unreasonable!

TechCrunch

The suggestion that opposition to biofuels was wholly unfounded was unreasonable given that the Gallagher review ordered by the British Government had found that biofueld could hurt the poor by raising food price; there was a division of informed opinion on the issue, the ASA said.

Independent

First, we acknowledge that it will be unreasonable to wholly attribute the successes herein presented to the facilitative supervisory visits.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly unreasonable" to express strong disagreement or disapproval, particularly when addressing demands, expectations, or behaviors that lack any logical basis. It is effective in formal writing to convey a sense of complete lack of justification.

Common error

While "wholly unreasonable" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in informal contexts can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Consider simpler alternatives like "totally unfair" or "completely ridiculous" for everyday conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly unreasonable" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to express a strong sense of disagreement or disapproval, indicating that something is completely lacking in reason or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wholly unreasonable" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express complete lack of reason or justification. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English and effective for conveying strong disagreement, with alternatives such as "completely unjustified" or "entirely irrational". While commonly found in news and media, it is also appropriate for academic and professional settings. However, avoid overusing it in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone. Ludwig examples show its versatile usage across various contexts, solidifying its place as a useful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely unjustified

Emphasizes the lack of valid reasons or support.

utterly groundless

Highlights the absence of any factual basis or foundation.

entirely irrational

Focuses on the lack of logical thinking or reasoning.

patently absurd

Stresses the obvious and ridiculous nature of something.

blatantly unreasonable

Highlights the obviousness of being unreasonable.

thoroughly illogical

Emphasizes a complete lack of logical connection or sense.

absolutely preposterous

Highlights the absurdity and outlandishness.

indefensible

Focuses on the inability to justify or defend something.

wholly unacceptable

Indicates a complete lack of satisfaction or approval.

totally without merit

Highlights a complete lack of value or worth.

FAQs

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

You can use "wholly unreasonable" to describe something that is completely lacking in reason or justification. For example: "The demands made by the opposing party were deemed "wholly unreasonable" by the judge."

What phrases are similar to "wholly unreasonable"?

Alternatives to "wholly unreasonable" include "completely unjustified", "entirely irrational", or "patently absurd", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "wholly unreasonable" formal or informal?

"Wholly unreasonable" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using phrases like "totally unfair" or "completely ridiculous" to maintain a natural tone.

What makes something "wholly unreasonable"?

Something is "wholly unreasonable" when it lacks any logical basis, justification, or fairness. It suggests a complete departure from what is considered rational or acceptable.