What does unconscionable mean?
Unconscionable is an adjective meaning so unfair, excessive, or morally objectionable that it exceeds what most people would consider reasonable. The word is used when describing conduct, conditions, or contractual terms that appear to disregard basic standards of fairness and human dignity. It often carries a stronger implication than merely describing something as unfair: the conduct is portrayed as being at an extreme and seriously indefensible level. In law, unconscionable describes conduct or terms that are seriously one-sided and offend standards of good faith or fair dealing, which may justify refusing to enforce a contract. Outside legal contexts, the word appears in forceful public criticism of exploitation, discriminatory treatment, predatory pricing, and similar practices. Its formal tone and moral force make it more appropriate for serious condemnation than for ordinary, mild criticism of inconvenience or minor disagreement.
adjectiveNot reasonable, fair, or morally acceptable. In legal contexts, the term describes conduct or terms that are so unfair or one-sided as to violate standards of good faith and fair dealing.
- Exceeding what is reasonable, fair, or morally acceptable.
- In law, so unfair or one-sided that it violates standards of good faith and fair dealing.
"The charity condemned the exploitation of vulnerable workers as unconscionable."
"The landlord faced criticism for imposing unconscionable increases in rent."
"A contract term may be unenforceable when a court finds it unconscionable at the time it was made."
In court, calling something unconscionable can mean it is so one-sided that fairness itself appears to have broken down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unconscionable come from?
Unconscionable was formed in the early 17th century from the prefix un-, the adjective conscientious, and the suffix -able. Conscientious comes through French from the Latin conscientia, meaning awareness or knowledge. The negative prefix gives unconscionable its sense of being contrary to conscience, and its modern use extends the idea to conduct and terms that are extremely unfair or unreasonable.
Related word forms
How unconscionable is actually used
This is a formal and strongly evaluative term. It is especially common in legal writing and in discussions of exploitation, discrimination, pricing, and extreme unfairness.
Easily confused with unconscionable
Unscrupulous describes someone or an organization that lacks moral scruples, whereas unconscionable emphasizes conduct or conditions that are excessively unfair or unreasonable.