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Undeserved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undeserved

[หŒสŒndษชหˆzษ™rvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not deserved or warranted; unjustified.

Synonyms

unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undeserved

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
unjustified

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
unwarranted

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
unmerited

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

Examples of usage

  • She felt that the criticism was undeserved.
  • He received undeserved praise for his minimal contribution.
Context #2 | Adjective

reward

Not earned through merit or action.

Synonyms

unearned, unjust, unmerited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undeserved

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.
unearned

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.
unmerited

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 celebrityโ€™s success as unmerited, believing it was due to luck more than talent.
unjust

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.

Examples of usage

  • The undeserved promotion caused resentment among the team.
  • She felt guilty about the undeserved inheritance she received.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of undeserved outcomes can lead to cognitive dissonance, where people struggle to reconcile their beliefs with reality.
  • Research shows that people experiencing 'undeserved' success may feel higher levels of anxiety due to imposter syndrome.

Literature

  • In Shakespeareโ€™s works, characters often face consequences that feel undeserved, reflecting themes of fate versus free will.
  • Contemporary novels often explore the idea of characters receiving goods or punishments that challenge societal notions of fairness.

Pop Culture

  • The term is frequently used in movies and television to depict characters receiving rewards that they havenโ€™t truly earned.
  • Songs often explore themes of feeling undeserved love or attention, resonating with many listeners.

Ethics

  • Debates often arise around the idea of 'undeserved' wealth, especially in discussions on income inequality and social justice.
  • The concept ties deeply into moral philosophy, questioning what it means to deserve something based on actions or inherent value.

Origin of 'undeserved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'deserve,' which comes from the Latin 'deservire' meaning 'to serve well.'
  • It first appeared in English texts in the late 14th century, suggesting a long history in expressing fairness.

The word 'undeserved' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'deserved' which comes from the verb 'deserve'. The concept of something being undeserved has been a part of human language and morality for centuries, reflecting the idea of fairness and justice. Whether in the context of praise, criticism, rewards, or punishments, the notion of undeservedness plays a role in shaping our understanding of right and wrong.

See also: deserve, deserved, deservedly, deserving, deservingness, undeservedly, undeserving.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,531, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.