Unduly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unduly

 

[ ʌnˈduːli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

inappropriately

to an unwarranted degree; inappropriately

Synonyms

excessively, unjustly, unnecessarily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unduly

Used when something is done or occurs beyond what is appropriate or reasonable.

  • He was unduly critical of her work.
  • The process was unduly complicated.
excessively

Used when something is too much or more than necessary in terms of quantity or intensity.

  • She was excessively worried about the test.
  • He drinks excessively, which is bad for his health.
unnecessarily

Used when something is done without need or reason, implying it was avoidable.

  • You are worrying unnecessarily about the future.
  • He takes unnecessarily long routes to work.
unjustly

Used when something is done without fairness or justice.

  • He was unjustly accused of the crime.
  • Many people were treated unjustly during the regime.

Examples of usage

  • Unduly harsh punishment
  • Unduly restrictive regulations
Context #2 | Adverb

excessively

to an excessive degree; excessively

Synonyms

immoderately, overly, unreasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unduly

Used when something is more than necessary or more than what is reasonable, often carrying a connotation of being unfair or excessive.

  • She was unduly criticized for her minor mistake.
  • The price of the tickets was unduly high.
overly

Used to describe something that is too much or more than desired, often in a casual or colloquial context.

  • She is overly cautious about trying new foods.
  • The plan was overly complicated.
immoderately

Applies when something is done to an excessive or extreme degree, often with a negative connotation related to excessiveness or lack of restraint.

  • He drank immoderately at the party.
  • The manager's immoderate praise made the team uncomfortable.
unreasonably

Applies when something deviates from what is considered rational or fair, often implying that it lacks logical justification.

  • He was unreasonably stubborn about changing his opinion.
  • The landlord set the rent at an unreasonably high amount.

Examples of usage

  • She was unduly worried about the situation
  • The prices were unduly high

Translations

Translations of the word "unduly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indevidamente

🇮🇳 अनुचित रूप से

🇩🇪 unangemessen

🇮🇩 tidak semestinya

🇺🇦 надмірно

🇵🇱 niewłaściwie

🇯🇵 不当

🇫🇷 indûment

🇪🇸 indebidamente

🇹🇷 haksız yere

🇰🇷 부당하게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير لائق

🇨🇿 neoprávněně

🇸🇰 neoprávnene

🇨🇳 过度

🇸🇮 neupravičeno

🇮🇸 óhóflega

🇰🇿 орынсыз

🇬🇪 უკანონოდ

🇦🇿 haqsız olaraq

🇲🇽 indebidamente

Etymology

The word 'unduly' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and 'due' which comes from the Latin word 'debere' meaning 'to owe'. Therefore, 'unduly' implies something that is not appropriately or excessively done or given.

See also: due, duty, overdue, subdue, undue.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,554 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.