What does unreasoning mean?
Unreasoning means the absence of rational thought or conduct governed by emotion, instinct, prejudice, or impulse rather than evidence and logic. It may be used as a noun for a state or pattern of irrational behavior, as in “the unreasoning behind the accusation,” or as an adjective describing a person, attitude, or response. The word is especially useful when the focus is on the process of failing to reason, rather than merely on reaching a conclusion that is poorly judged. Thus “unreasoning opposition” suggests opposition that ignores argument altogether, while “unreasonable demand” identifies a demand as excessive or unfair. The expression has a formal, often literary register and a strongly negative connotation. It should not be confused with “unreasonable”: the latter commonly describes something excessive, improper, or incapable of being justified, whereas “unreasoning” more directly evokes the abandonment of rational deliberation itself.
The state, process, or practice of thinking or acting without rational judgment.
"His decision was shaped by unreasoning rather than the available evidence."
The noun is literary and relatively uncommon; it is often used as an uncountable mass noun.
Not guided by reason or logic; irrational, impulsive, or emotionally driven.
"Unreasoning hostility prevented any meaningful discussion."
The adjective is formal and generally disapproving, particularly when describing opposition, fear, prejudice, or emotional responses.
The countable plural is rare; the noun is usually used in the singular or as an uncountable mass noun.
"The novel recounts three unreasonings that gradually destroy the family's trust."
Unreasoning can describe not merely a bad conclusion, but the moment when the tools of reason are switched off.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unreasoning come from?
Unreasoning is formed in English from the prefix un-, meaning “not” or “without,” the noun reason, and the suffix -ing. Reason comes through Old French raison from Latin ratio, a word associated with calculating or reasoning. The same Latin root also underlies cognates such as rational and rationale, reflecting the long relationship between reason and the broader idea of rational order.
How unreasoning is actually used
The adjective is literary and usually carries a critical or disapproving tone. The noun is comparatively uncommon and is often used as an uncountable abstract noun; it can also denote particular acts or episodes of irrational thinking.
Easily confused with unreasoning
Unreasonable means excessively improper, irrational, or beyond what is reasonable, whereas unreasoning more specifically describes a process or state in which reason is not applied.
Unreasoned usually means not thought through or subjected to reasoning, while unreasoning implies the active absence of rational judgment.