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irrational

adjective

/ɪræʃənəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of irrational

Lacking reason, logic, or sound judgment.
"Emily's irrational jealousy over her partner's harmless interactions with others strained their relationship unnecessarily."

Detailed meaning of irrational

When something is described as irrational, it implies that it goes against the norms of rationality and cannot be justified or explained through logical thinking. Irrational behavior or decisions often stem from emotions, biases, or instinctual responses rather than objective reasoning. It disregards evidence, ignores facts, and may even defy common sense. Irrationality can manifest in various forms, such as impulsive actions, unfounded fears, or irrational beliefs based on superstitions or unsubstantiated claims. Individuals exhibiting irrational behavior may find it challenging to make coherent choices or understand the consequences of their actions, as their decisions are often guided by subjective feelings rather than rational thought processes.

Example sentences containing irrational

1. Despite being warned about the risks, she made an irrational decision and invested all her savings in a get-rich-quick scheme.
2. His fear of spiders was irrational, causing him to panic even at the sight of a harmless tiny spider.
3. The company's decision to lay off experienced employees and retain less qualified ones seemed irrational from a business perspective.
4. Sarah's irrational anger flared up over a minor disagreement, leading to an unnecessary argument with her friend.
5. The student's irrational fear of failure prevented him from taking any risks or pursuing challenging opportunities.
6. It was irrational for him to believe that he could win the lottery by buying just a single ticket.

History and etymology of irrational

The adjective 'irrational' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'irrationalis,' which combines 'in,' meaning 'not,' and 'rationalis,' meaning 'reasonable' or 'logical.' In Latin, 'irrationalis' described something that was not governed by reason or logic, often referring to behaviors or beliefs that lacked sound judgment. As Latin evolved into Middle English, 'irrational' retained its fundamental meaning, indicating a state of being devoid of reason, logic, or sound judgment. Thus, the etymology of 'irrational' underscores its historical association with notions of irrationality, emphasizing actions, beliefs, or thoughts that diverge from rational and logical thinking.

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Further usage examples of irrational

1. Despite the evidence proving his innocence, the jury's irrational biases led to an unjust conviction.
2. Lisa's irrational belief in conspiracy theories made it difficult for her to trust anyone or accept factual information.
3. The driver's irrational road rage caused him to engage in dangerous behaviors, putting himself and others at risk.
4. The politician's irrational promises of instant prosperity without any viable plan raised doubts about his credibility.
5. The irrational pricing of the product deterred potential buyers, as it was significantly higher than its competitors.
6. Her irrational fear of spiders left her paralyzed in the corner.
7. Making an irrational decision can have long-term consequences.
8. His irrational outburst shocked everyone in the room.
9. Choosing the most irrational route, we got hopelessly lost.
10. It's irrational to believe in supernatural phenomena without evidence.
11. Her irrational behavior during the argument only escalated tensions.
12. The stock market can be driven by irrational investor emotions.
13. It's irrational to base decisions solely on gut feelings.
14. An irrational fear of flying prevented him from traveling.
15. His irrational belief in conspiracy theories worried his friends.
16. The decision to quit a stable job seemed irrational to many.
17. The irrational price hike angered loyal customers.
18. Reacting with irrational anger rarely leads to positive outcomes.
19. An irrational attachment to material possessions can be unhealthy.
20. Some phobias are rooted in irrational childhood experiences.
21. The irrational choice of words led to a heated exchange.
22. Irrational prejudices can hinder social progress and understanding.
23. Making decisions when emotional can be highly irrational.
24. An irrational desire for perfection can lead to burnout.
25. His irrational stubbornness often caused unnecessary conflicts.