Irrational

Irrational describes behavior, thought processes, or actions that are not based on reason or logic. It often involves acting impulsively, without considering consequences, or holding beliefs that are demonstrably false. It can also refer to mathematical values that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. In a psychological context, irrationality suggests a departure from sound judgment, potentially stemming from emotional distress, mental illness, or ingrained biases. These actions often appear nonsensical to others and can lead to unpredictable or self-destructive outcomes. Essentially, anything deemed irrational deviates from established standards of logic, reason, or accepted norms of behavior.

Irrational meaning with examples

• His fear of spiders was completely irrational; he knew they posed no threat in his home, but he would still scream and run whenever he saw one. This irrational behavior stemmed from a childhood incident. He recognized the illogical nature of his panic, yet couldn't control his reaction.
• The market's sudden crash seemed irrational, driven more by panic and speculation than any fundamental economic changes. Investors acted in a herd, selling off their holdings without considering the underlying value of the companies. This sudden irrationality led to significant losses.
• Her decision to quit her job without securing another one was, to everyone else's view, an irrational one; however, her frustration and boredom were a motivating factor. Despite warnings from her friends and family, she felt a deep-seated compulsion, and acted on it irrationally.
• The belief in superstitions, such as walking under ladders or avoiding black cats, is often considered irrational. These beliefs lack any scientific basis and rely on unfounded correlations. Many people will still adhere to such practices, despite being unable to explain why.
• The company's sudden shift in marketing strategy, without proper market research, seemed irrational. Management's lack of insight was a shock. They alienated the company’s core customer base by focusing on a market that had no interest in their products; this was irrational.