Undeservedly: meaning, definitions and examples

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undeservedly

 

[ ˌʌndɪˈzɜːvdli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that is not deserved or justified; without reason or cause.

Synonyms

inappropriately, unfairly, unjustly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undeservedly

This word is used when someone receives something that they should not get, such as praise, blame, or rewards. It implies that what the person received is not warranted by their actions or qualities.

  • He was undeservedly praised for the project, even though he barely contributed.
  • She found herself undeservedly blamed for the mistake that wasn't her fault.
unjustly

This term is used when an action or treatment is not just or right according to moral and ethical standards. It has a strong implication of moral wrongness or violation of fairness.

  • The employee was unjustly fired without any valid reason.
  • He was unjustly accused of a crime he did not commit.
unfairly

This word is used to describe a situation where someone is treated in a manner that lacks justice or equality. It often carries a connotation of favoritism or bias.

  • The teacher unfairly gave higher grades to his favorite students.
  • She felt she was unfairly denied the promotion.
inappropriately

This term is used when something does not fit the context, situation, or social norms. It indicates that the action or behavior is not suitable or proper for the given circumstances.

  • He inappropriately wore casual clothes to a formal wedding.
  • She laughed inappropriately during a serious meeting.

Examples of usage

  • He was undeservedly praised for his mediocre performance.
  • She felt undeservedly guilty for the accident.
Context #2 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a manner that is not merited or earned.

Synonyms

inappropriately, unduly, unjustifiably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undeservedly

This implies something that is not deserved or earned, often used to describe situations where someone receives praise, success, or punishment they did not truly earn.

  • He was undeservedly given the award, despite not contributing much to the project.
  • She felt undeservedly criticized for a mistake she didn't make.
unduly

This suggests something that is excessively or unreasonably done or given, typically expressing a sense of imbalance or excess.

  • She was unduly concerned about the minor issue.
  • The judge was unduly harsh in his sentencing.
unjustifiably

This means something that lacks valid justification or reason, often used when actions or decisions can't be logically explained or defended.

  • His anger was unjustifiably directed at his coworkers.
  • The company laid off workers unjustifiably despite having strong profits.
inappropriately

This indicates something that is not suitable or proper in a specific context, often relating to behavior, clothing, or language.

  • He was dressed inappropriately for the formal event, wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
  • The comment she made was inappropriately timed during a serious meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She was undeservedly promoted ahead of more qualified candidates.
  • The team undeservedly won the championship due to a technicality.

Translations

Translations of the word "undeservedly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 injustamente

🇮🇳 अन्यायपूर्वक

🇩🇪 unverdient

🇮🇩 tidak pantas

🇺🇦 незаслужено

🇵🇱 niezasłużenie

🇯🇵 不当にも

🇫🇷 indûment

🇪🇸 inmerecidamente

🇹🇷 hak edilmeden

🇰🇷 부당하게

🇸🇦 بغير استحقاق

🇨🇿 nezaslouženě

🇸🇰 nezaslúžene

🇨🇳 不应得地

🇸🇮 nezasluženo

🇮🇸 óverðskuldaður

🇰🇿 лайықсыз

🇬🇪 დაუმსახურებლად

🇦🇿 layiq olmadığı halda

🇲🇽 inmerecidamente

Etymology

The word 'undeservedly' is a derivative of the adjective 'undeserved,' which dates back to the late 16th century. The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, while 'deserved' comes from the Middle English word 'deserven,' meaning 'to merit or be worthy of.' Over time, 'undeservedly' has been used to convey the idea of something not being rightfully earned or justified, often in contexts of praise, rewards, or blame.

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