unreasonable

adjective

un·​rea·​son·​able
ˌən-ˈrēz-nə-bəl,
-ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl How to pronounce unreasonable (audio)
1
a
: not governed by or acting according to reason
unreasonable people
b
: not conformable to reason : absurd
unreasonable beliefs
2
: exceeding the bounds of reason or moderation
working under unreasonable pressure
unreasonableness
ˌən-ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs
-ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl- How to pronounce unreasonable (audio)
noun
unreasonably
ˌən-ˈrēz-nə-blē
-ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-blē How to pronounce unreasonable (audio)
adverb

Examples of unreasonable in a Sentence

I told him that I wouldn't pay unless he sent me a replacement. Am I being unreasonable? You are entitled to compensation for unreasonable delays.
Recent Examples on the Web Prosecutors said Hicks violated the man’s constitutional rights to be free from use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement agent. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 And Kate has always seemed spectacularly well suited to the unreasonable demands of a job that turns people into mascots of a massive and unforgiving institution. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The lawsuit argued the use of the dogs violated students’ Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Open-web advocates celebrate, while still complaining that Apple applies unreasonable restrictions on the functionality of web apps. David Meyer, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Alternately, her defense attorneys have emphasized the film’s production team fostered a chaotic environment and Reed, just 24 years old at the time, was given an unreasonable number of responsibilities on set. Cheri Mossburg, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Forcing stricter rules for responsible gun owners is unreasonable and infringes on their right to protect themselves. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared sympathetic to that argument, saying the EPA plan could impose unreasonable costs on states that remain under its authority, because it was initially designed for 23 states. Matthew Daly, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024 The problem seems to start during recruitment, with hiring managers reporting that Gen Z candidates fail to dress appropriately (58%), do not make good eye contact (57%), make unreasonable salary demands (42%), do not communicate well (39%) and don’t seem very interested or engaged (33%). Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unreasonable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreasonable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unreasonable

Cite this Entry

“Unreasonable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreasonable. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

unreasonable

adjective
un·​rea·​son·​able
: not reasonable : beyond what can be accepted: as
a
: clearly inappropriate, excessive, or harmful in degree or kind
an unreasonable delay
an unreasonable restraint of trade
b
: lacking justification in fact or circumstance
an unreasonable inference
especially : irrational sense b
the agency decision was unreasonable
c
: not supported by a warrant or by a valid exception to a warrant requirement (as when there is reasonable suspicion) and therefore unconstitutional
the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violatedU.S. Constitution amend. IV
see also search, seizure
unreasonableness noun
unreasonably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unreasonable

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