unconscionable
UK: ʌnˈkɒnʃənəbl̩ | US: ʌnˈkɑːnʃənəbl̩
adj. 1. Not guided or restrained by conscience; morally unacceptable.
adj. 2. Excessive or unreasonable to a shocking degree.
un<not> + con<sci> + ionable<adjective suffix>
- un: Prefix meaning "not" (from Old English un-).
- con: Root derived from Latin conscientia (conscience), implying moral awareness.
- ionable: Suffix forming adjectives, indicating capability or tendency (from Latin -ionabilis).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin conscientia ("conscience"), combined with the negating prefix un- and the adjectival suffix -able. Originally used in legal contexts (16th century) to describe actions "beyond moral limits," it evolved to emphasize extreme unethicalness or excess. The morphemes logically chain: "not" + "conscience" + "capable of," reflecting a deliberate violation of ethical boundaries.
The contract’s terms were unconscionable, exploiting vulnerable workers.
Charging such high prices for essential medicine is unconscionable.
His unconscionable behavior shocked even his closest allies.
The judge ruled the clause unconscionable and voided it.
It’s unconscionable to ignore the suffering of refugees.