unreasonable

The word “unreasonable” means not guided by sound judgment or reason; excessive or unfair given the circumstances. In plain terms, going beyond what is fair, sensible, or practical to expect.

“Unreasonable” is pronounced uhn-REEZ-nuh-bl (/ʌnˈɹiːz.(ə)nə.bl̩/ in IPA).

Here is “unreasonable” used in a sentence: “It seems unreasonable to expect a reply within the hour.”

“Unreasonable” is an adjective.

The word “unreasonable” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unresonable, from un- plus reasonable.

“Unreasonable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Unreasonable describes demands, behavior, or expectations that are excessive or unfair given the circumstances, even if there is some logic behind them. Irrational describes thinking or behavior that lacks logical basis altogether, often driven by emotion rather than sound judgment.

Unreasonable focuses on a lack of sound judgment, often implying a request or expectation is excessive given the situation. Unfair focuses specifically on a lack of fairness or equal treatment. A demand can be unreasonable without being unfair to a specific person, or unfair without being unreasonable in scope.

A request is called unreasonable when it is not guided by sound judgment and is excessive or unfair given the circumstances, such as demanding an impossible deadline. The term signals that the request goes beyond what is fair or practical to expect.