French word

abusif

Pronunciation

IPA/abyzif/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunreasonable

Example

Ce magasin applique des frais abusifs.

This store charges unreasonable fees.

Illustration for abusif (unreasonable)

More examples

Les consommateurs se plaignent des pratiques abusives de certaines entreprises.

Consumers complain about the abusive practices of certain companies.

Core concept

A scale tipped past the fair or permitted boundary by excessive use or demand.

Common phrases

  • frais abusifs

    unfair fees

  • tarifs abusifs

    unfair rates

  • pratiques abusives

    abusive practices

Similar words

injuste: Unfair and contrary to justice or equal treatment.
excessif: Greater in amount or degree than necessary.
disproportionné: Out of proportion to the relevant circumstances or needs.

Definition in French

Qualifie un acte ou une demande qui n'est pas justifié parce qu'il dépasse ce qui est équitable ou autorisé, souvent par excès d'usage ou d'exigence.

Word origin

Abusif derives from French abus, related to Latin abusus, the past participle of abuti, with the suffix -if forming an adjective.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English abusive, abusif commonly qualifies fees, clauses, or demands that are excessive or unjustified, not only harmful treatment or insults.

Other meanings

  • excessiveadjective
  • abusiveadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word