adj

unconscionable

uhn-KON-shuhn-uh-buhl

Unconscionable (adj) means So unfair, unreasonable, or immoral that it defies any sense of conscience. Example: “Charging desperate families that much for water was unconscionable.”

adj

So unfair, unreasonable, or immoral that it defies any sense of conscience.

"Charging desperate families that much for water was unconscionable."

"The court ruled the contract terms unconscionable and unenforceable."

How to use unconscionable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo wrong or excessive it goes against any reasonable sense of right and wrong.

When to use it

A fairly formal word, common in legal writing and serious criticism.

Common pairings

unconscionable delay unconscionable terms utterly unconscionable

Word forms

more unconscionable comparative, most unconscionable superlative

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Charging desperate families that much for water was _____.

Etymology

From un- + conscionable ("in line with conscience"), itself from conscience.

Rhymes for unconscionable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unconscionable” mean?

The word “unconscionable” means so unfair, unreasonable, or immoral that it defies any sense of conscience. In plain terms, so wrong or excessive it goes against any reasonable sense of right and wrong.

How do you pronounce “unconscionable”?

“Unconscionable” is pronounced uhn-KON-shuhn-uh-buhl (/ˌənˈkɑn(t)ʃ(ə)nəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “unconscionable” in a sentence?

Here is “unconscionable” used in a sentence: “Charging desperate families that much for water was unconscionable.”

What part of speech is “unconscionable”?

“Unconscionable” is an adjective.