unconscionable

[uhn-kon-shuh-nuh-buhl]

adjective

1. not guided by conscience; unscrupulous.

2. not in accordance with what is just or reasonable.

   unconscionable behavior.

3. excessive; extortionate.

   an unconscionable profit.

   Synonyms: inordinate, unwarranted, immoderate, extreme

unconscionable

/ ʌnˈkɒnʃənəbəl /

adjective

1. unscrupulous or unprincipled

   an unconscionable liar

2. immoderate or excessive

   unconscionable demands

Other Word Forms

• unconscionableness noun
• unconscionably adverb
• unconscionability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconscionable¹

First recorded in 1555–65; un- ¹ + conscionable

Example Sentences

“This reckless decision by the FDA to expand the availability of abortion drugs is unconscionable,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group, said in a written statement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Officials have responded with unconscionable ineptitude,” said Kara Vallow, who said she believed the document “goes out of its way to avoid accountability.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, said that Ireland's participation in the event "would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza".

Read more on BBC

The leaders of more than 20 major aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that "the inhumanity of the situation in Gaza is unconscionable".

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The heads of more than 20 aid agencies have called on world leaders to act, saying "the inhumanity of the situation in Gaza is unconscionable" and calling for "urgent intervention".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• barbarous 
• excessive 
• outrageous 
• preposterous 
• uncivilized 
• unethical 
• unfair 
• unjust 
• unreasonable 
• wanton