WordGarden.iounreasonably
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnrˈiːzənəbli/
US
- /ənˈrizənəbli/
Meanings
Adverb
to an excessive, unfair, or unjustified degree
in a way that lacks sound judgment or fairness
Beyond the definition
Imagine you accidentally spill a tiny drop of water on the floor, and someone starts screaming as if the whole house is flooded - they are acting unreasonably. To behave unreasonably is to act in a way that has no fair or logical reason behind it. It's like turning the emotional volume up to ten when the situation only calls for a two.
It is more than just being incorrect; it suggests a lack of common sense or fairness. A landlord who unreasonably refuses to make basic repairs is ignoring their responsibilities. Similarly, if a manager unreasonably expects you to finish a month's worth of work in a single afternoon, they are asking for more than makes sense. It describes behavior that does not fit the situation and often goes too far.
The adverb "unreasonably" describes actions, feelings, or demands that have moved far away from logic, fairness, or proportion. It implies an imbalance - a reaction or expectation that is far too strong for the actual circumstances. Think of it as the gap between what is happening and what a sensible person would consider appropriate.
You might describe a price as being unreasonably high if it is double what any other store charges. Or you could say a person is being unreasonably stubborn if they refuse to change their mind even when faced with clear evidence that they are wrong. In these cases, the word highlights that the behavior is not just firm or expensive - it is beyond what can be justified.
"Unreasonably" also often highlights an emotional or impulsive side. If someone is unreasonably upset, it suggests their anger or sadness is stronger than the facts of the situation would support. In formal or legal contexts, someone might be accused of acting unreasonably if they fail to show the level of care or judgment that a reasonable person would show. Whether it's an unreasonably loud neighbor or an unreasonably difficult exam, the core idea remains the same: it is something that goes beyond the bounds of what is fair, logical, or expected.
Examples
- 1
High cost
The tickets were unreasonably expensive, so we decided not to go.
- 2
Emotional reaction
She seemed unreasonably upset about a small delay.
- 3
Housing rules
The landlord was unreasonably strict about having guests overnight.
- 4
Time pressure
You can’t expect people to make that decision unreasonably quickly.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Long wait
We waited an unreasonably long time for such a simple reply.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unreasonably high
- unreasonably expensive
- unreasonably difficult
- act unreasonably
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unreasonablyadverb