Unreasonable

Unreasonable describes something that is not guided by or based on good sense, logic, or fairness. It can refer to actions, demands, expectations, or beliefs that lack justification and are considered excessive or unfair. This can manifest as being excessive, inappropriate, or going against the established norm of thought. A behavior is often perceived as unreasonable when it disregards the needs, feelings, or rights of others or places an undue burden upon them. It often implies irrationality or a lack of sound judgement and can lead to conflict, dissatisfaction, or negative consequences.

Unreasonable meaning with examples

• The manager's decision to require employees to work 16-hour days with no overtime pay was considered unreasonable. It disregarded basic labor laws and employee well-being, prompting complaints and a potential labor dispute. Many felt such conditions were excessive and exploitative, breeding resentment and lowering morale. The request was seen as completely out of touch and showed a lack of understanding.
• Demanding a full refund for a minor scratch on a used car, purchased months ago, might be considered unreasonable. The buyer's expectation didn't reflect the inherent wear and tear of the vehicle and the depreciation that occurred over that time. The seller would likely object, as the complaint was an attempt to take advantage of a previous deal and felt unfair.
• The child's tantrum because they couldn't have ice cream for dinner was a display of unreasonable behavior. Their expectation to get whatever they want, regardless of health or mealtime rules, showed a lack of understanding or ability to process the word 'no'. The parents' task became to calm the child down and re-establish boundaries in a calm way.
• It is unreasonable to expect a struggling student to instantly understand complex concepts without adequate time for instruction and practice. The tutor's demand for instantaneous recall showed a lack of understanding of the learning process. The expectations set by the teacher or parent were unattainable and could be demotivating and unfair, undermining confidence.