unreasonable 🔊
Meaning of unreasonable
Not guided by or based on good sense; beyond the bounds of what is fair, acceptable, or practical.
Key Difference
While 'unreasonable' suggests a lack of logic or fairness, its synonyms may vary in intensity, context, or emotional connotation.
Example of unreasonable
- The landlord's demand for double the rent was completely unreasonable given the condition of the apartment.
- It's unreasonable to expect a toddler to sit still for hours without any entertainment.
Synonyms
irrational 🔊
Meaning of irrational
Not logical or reasonable; lacking sound judgment.
Key Difference
'Irrational' often implies a lack of logical reasoning, while 'unreasonable' may include unfairness or impracticality.
Example of irrational
- His fear of flying was irrational, as statistics show it's one of the safest modes of transport.
- The debate turned heated when one side resorted to irrational arguments.
absurd 🔊
Meaning of absurd
Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.
Key Difference
'Absurd' is stronger than 'unreasonable,' suggesting something is laughably illogical or ridiculous.
Example of absurd
- The idea that the Earth is flat is not just incorrect—it's absurd.
- Wearing a winter coat in the desert is an absurd choice.
preposterous 🔊
Meaning of preposterous
Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd.
Key Difference
'Preposterous' is more extreme than 'unreasonable,' implying something is outrageously foolish.
Example of preposterous
- The conspiracy theory that aliens built the pyramids is preposterous.
- His claim that he could run a marathon without training was preposterous.
excessive 🔊
Meaning of excessive
Going beyond what is usual, normal, or proper.
Key Difference
'Excessive' focuses on quantity or degree, while 'unreasonable' is broader, covering fairness and logic.
Example of excessive
- The celebrity was criticized for her excessive spending on trivial items.
- The teacher assigned an excessive amount of homework over the weekend.
unjust 🔊
Meaning of unjust
Not based on or behaving according to fairness.
Key Difference
'Unjust' specifically relates to fairness, while 'unreasonable' can also include impracticality or illogic.
Example of unjust
- The court's decision was widely seen as unjust by the public.
- Punishing the entire class for one student's mistake is unjust.
outrageous 🔊
Meaning of outrageous
Shockingly bad or excessive; wildly unreasonable.
Key Difference
'Outrageous' carries a stronger emotional tone, implying shock or offense, unlike the more neutral 'unreasonable.'
Example of outrageous
- The company's CEO received an outrageous bonus while employees faced pay cuts.
- The politician's lies were so outrageous that even his supporters were stunned.
illogical 🔊
Meaning of illogical
Lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.
Key Difference
'Illogical' strictly refers to flawed reasoning, while 'unreasonable' can also involve unfairness.
Example of illogical
- Her argument was illogical because it ignored basic facts.
- It's illogical to refuse vaccines while relying on modern medicine for other treatments.
unfounded 🔊
Meaning of unfounded
Having no basis in fact or reason.
Key Difference
'Unfounded' suggests a lack of evidence, while 'unreasonable' may still have some basis but is impractical or unfair.
Example of unfounded
- The rumors about the celebrity's scandal were completely unfounded.
- His accusations were unfounded and damaged their relationship unnecessarily.
senseless 🔊
Meaning of senseless
Done or happening without a clear purpose or reason.
Key Difference
'Senseless' implies a complete lack of purpose, while 'unreasonable' can still have a flawed rationale.
Example of senseless
- The vandalism of the historic monument was a senseless act of destruction.
- Starting a war over such a trivial dispute would be senseless.
Conclusion
- 'Unreasonable' is a versatile term describing actions or demands lacking fairness, logic, or practicality.
- 'Irrational' is best used when emphasizing a lack of logical reasoning, such as in debates or personal fears.
- 'Absurd' works well when something is so illogical it becomes laughable, like conspiracy theories.
- 'Preposterous' should be reserved for the most extreme cases of foolishness, like outrageous claims.
- 'Excessive' is ideal for criticizing over-the-top quantities, like workloads or spending.
- 'Unjust' is the right choice when fairness is the primary concern, such as in legal or ethical discussions.
- 'Outrageous' fits when an action is not just unreasonable but also shocking or offensive.
- 'Illogical' is precise when pointing out flaws in reasoning, such as in arguments or decisions.
- 'Unfounded' applies to claims or rumors that have no basis in reality.
- 'Senseless' describes actions with no purpose, like random acts of destruction.