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

• unconscionability noun
• unconscionably adverb
• unconscionableness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconscionable¹

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

Example Sentences

Many decades and unconscionable acts have transpired since that speculative conversation.

Read more on Salon

Some lenders alleged that the company was in default on some loans and “threatened to exercise remedies, and/or demanded unconscionable late fees.”

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“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.

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

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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".

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Related Words

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