Unreasonable: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Unreasonable – Definition and Part of Speech
The term unreasonable is primarily used as an adjective. It describes a lack of reason or fairness in thoughts, actions, demands, or expectations. When something is deemed unreasonable, it implies that it does not align with common sense, logic, or acceptable standards.
Grammatical Forms:
- As an adjective: unreasonable
- Adverbial form: unreasonably
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below are several synonyms for “unreasonable,” each highlighted for its nuance and usage context:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irrational | Lacking logical reasoning or sound judgment | “His irrational fears kept him from flying.” | Formal, Academic |
| Impractical | Not feasible in practice due to logistical issues | “Proposing an impractical solution without resources is futile.” | Business, Informal |
| Excessive | Beyond what is reasonable or normal | “The excessive demands of the client were unmanageable.” | Casual, Formal |
| Unrealistic | Not grounded in reality; fanciful | “Her expectations for a first job are unrealistic.” | Academic, Informal |
| Outlandish | Extremely strange and unlikely | “He made some outlandish claims during the meeting.” | Creative, Informal |
Usage Notes
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Irrational is best used in contexts where logical reasoning or mental soundness is being questioned. It often appears in academic and psychological discussions.
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Impractical fits well in business environments when discussing logistics or feasibility issues. It highlights the gap between theory and practice.
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Excessive is versatile, applicable in everyday conversation, formal writing, and even legal contexts to describe something that surpasses reasonable limits.
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Unrealistic suits academic discussions on expectations or proposals where reality does not align with hopes or plans.
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Outlandish brings a creative flair to language. It’s excellent for describing bizarre ideas or behaviors in informal or creative writing settings.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is using synonyms interchangeably without considering their nuances, which might lead to miscommunication:
- Confusing irrational with impractical: “Irrational” refers more to a lack of reasoning ability, while “impractical” pertains to logistical feasibility.
- Overlooking the intensity difference: Excessive may be seen as less severe than outlandish, which implies an unusual degree of extremity.
Final Recap
In summary, “unreasonable” can be substituted with synonyms like irrational, impractical, excessive, unrealistic, and outlandish—each offering unique connotations. Understanding the subtle differences among these terms enhances communication effectiveness across various contexts such as business, academic, creative, or casual settings.
To expand your vocabulary:
- Practice using each synonym in different sentence structures.
- Experiment by substituting “unreasonable” with its synonyms in conversations and writing exercises to grasp their appropriate usage better.
By engaging actively with these words, you’ll gain a more nuanced command of language that allows for precise expression.