Undeserved: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone receives something, usually negative, that they didn't earn or deserve. Often has a sympathetic or empathetic tone.

• He faced undeserved criticism from his peers
• The punishment was harsh and undeserved

Used when there's no valid reason or rationale for an action, decision, or belief. Often used in formal or critical contexts.

• Her anger was entirely unjustified given the circumstances
• The manager's decision to fire him was unjustified

Used when an action or statement lacks justification or necessity. Often used to describe actions that are seen as excessive or unnecessary.

• The police raid was completely unwarranted
• His unwarranted accusations caused a lot of trouble

Used when something, typically praise or recognition, is given without being earned or deserved. Often used in a formal or academic tone.

• The accolade he received was utterly unmerited
• She received unmerited praise for the project

Used to describe something that someone receives without having done anything to earn it, often carrying a sense of it being unfair or inappropriate.

• He felt that the praise was undeserved, given that he hadn't contributed much to the project.
• She received an undeserved punishment for a mistake she didn't make.

Typically used in financial or professional contexts, referring to money, rewards, or benefits that someone gets without having worked for them.

• His unearned income from investments allowed him to live comfortably without a job.
• Receiving unearned praise from the boss can create tension among coworkers.

Used to describe something (often awards or recognition) that someone receives without deserving it, suggesting that it was given without proper justification. It can be used similarly to 'undeserved' but with a stronger implication of not being earned.

• The worker was given an unmerited promotion, causing resentment among more qualified colleagues.
• Many saw the celebrity’s success as unmerited, believing it was due to luck more than talent.

Describes actions, decisions, or situations that are unfair or lack justice. Often used in legal or moral discussions.

• The prisoners felt the court's decision was unjust and protested their sentences.
• It is unjust to discriminate against someone based on their race or gender.