What does unreasonably mean?
Unreasonably is the adverb form of unreasonable. It describes conduct, demands, expectations, or conditions that exceed what can be justified by ordinary reason, good judgment, or fairness. In many contexts it is equivalent to excessively, as in an unreasonably high price, but the word can also carry a sharper criticism: it may suggest that a decision is arbitrary, irrational, or based on an unfair standard. Because “unreasonably” evaluates the manner or degree of something rather than simply naming its category, it often appears in disputes about cost, effort, risk, difficulty, and treatment. The word is standard in both British and American English and suits formal argument as well as everyday complaint. It is more pointed than a neutral intensifier such as “very,” and more accusatory than “quite a lot.” Its usefulness lies in distinguishing a merely unwelcome difficulty from one that is disproportionate or impossible to justify.
adverbIn a way that is excessive, irrational, or not justified by reason or fairness.
- To a degree that is excessive or disproportionate.
- In a way that lacks adequate rational justification, especially by being arbitrary or unfair.
"The landlord raised the rent to an unreasonably high level."
"The apartment's asking rent had risen to an unreasonably high level."
"The council acted unreasonably in ignoring every objection raised by residents."
Add one suffix and the criticism sharpens: “unreasonable” labels a fault, while “unreasonably” marks its degree and often its unfairness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unreasonably come from?
Unreasonably is formed adverbially from unreasonable with the suffix -ly. Unreasonable was formed from the English adjective reasonable using the negative prefix un-; reasonable comes through Old French from Latin rationabilis, based on ratio, meaning “reason” or “proportion.” Thus, the word's force has developed through a negating prefix and an adverb-forming suffix rather than from a separate Latin form.
How unreasonably is actually used
Standard in formal and informal British and American English. Depending on context, it may chiefly suggest excessive degree, irrational conduct, or unfair treatment.
Easily confused with unreasonably
“Unreasonable” is an adjective that describes a person, action, request, or condition, whereas “unreasonably” is the adverb used to modify a verb or another adverb.