Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely unreasonable or excessive; not guided by or in accordance with what is fair, just, or reasonable: This meaning describes something that goes far beyond acceptable limits, often in a shocking or offensive way.
   • Lacking a conscience or moral principles; unscrupulous: This meaning describes a person or action that shows no regard for right and wrong, often characterized by dishonesty or a complete absence of ethical restraint.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Extremely unreasonable):
  • The company was accused of charging unconscionable fees for its basic services.
  • The judge ruled that the contract terms were unconscionable and therefore unenforceable.
• Adjective (Lacking a conscience):
  • His unconscionable betrayal of his closest friend shocked everyone.
  • Only an unconscionable person could ignore the suffering of others so completely.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In contract law, an "unconscionable contract" or clause is one so unfairly one-sided that it shocks the conscience and is not enforceable by a court.
  • The court found the arbitration clause to be unconscionable due to its excessive cost to the consumer.
• Emphatic Use: The word is often used for strong emphasis to condemn an action or situation.
  • It is unconscionable that people are still dying from preventable diseases in this day and age.

Variants and Related Words

• Unconscionably (adverb): In an unconscionable manner.
  • The wait for the medical treatment was unconscionably long.
• Conscionable (adjective, rare): Governed by or in accordance with conscience; just and reasonable. (This is the direct, though rarely used, opposite).

Synonyms

• Outrageous: Shockingly bad or excessive.
• Exorbitant: (Of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.
• Unscrupulous: Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.
• Conscienceless: Lacking a conscience.

Antonyms

• Reasonable: Based on good sense; fair and sensible.
• Conscientious: Wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly; governed by conscience.
• Equitable: Fair and impartial.

Adjective

1. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
   • exorbitant rent
   • extortionate prices
   • spends an outrageous amount on entertainment
   • usurious interest rate
   • unconscionable spending
2. lacking a conscience
   • a conscienceless villain
   • brash, unprincipled, and conscienceless
   • an unconscionable liar