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Unmerited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unmerited

[สŒnหˆmษ›rษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing favor or treatment that has not been earned or deserved

Unmerited means not justified or deserved. It is often used to describe something that is given without any reason or basis, usually in a positive context.

Synonyms

undeserved, unearned, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unmerited

Used when something is given or received without being earned or deserved; often used in formal or academic contexts.

  • His rise to power was largely unmerited
undeserved

Typically used to describe something negative or unfair that happened to someone who didn't deserve it; can also describe positive things.

  • She received an undeserved punishment
  • He got an undeserved compliment
unearned

Refers to something received without effort or labor, commonly used in financial or tangible contexts.

  • The bonus felt unearned as he had barely worked this quarter
  • She gained unearned income from investments
unwarranted

Used for actions or reactions that lack justification or valid reason, often has a negative connotation.

  • The criticism was completely unwarranted
  • He faced unwarranted hostility from the group

Examples of usage

  • He received unmerited praise for his mediocre performance.
  • She felt guilty about the unmerited attention she was receiving.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Discussions on unmerited rewards often involve debates about justice, fairness, and moral philosophy.
  • Philosophers like John Rawls argued that social advantages should not be unmerited, aiming for equity in society.

Social Justice

  • In social justice movements, unmerited privileges are often highlighted, calling attention to systemic inequalities.
  • The concept is central to discussions about affirmative action, where individuals may receive benefits due to their group identity rather than individual merit.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of unmerited fortune, such as characters who gain wealth or status without hard workโ€”think of classic tales like 'The Great Gatsby'.
  • The theme can also evoke sympathy, as seen in works where good characters experience unmerited suffering or tragedy.

Psychology

  • The feeling of receiving unmerited rewards can lead to guilt or discomfort, as individuals may question their worthiness.
  • Research shows that unmerited success can affect relationships, as it may create envy or resentment among peers.

Origin of 'unmerited'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'merit' comes from the Latin 'meritum', which means 'deserved' or 'earned'.
  • The word has been used in English since the 15th century, indicating a long-standing concept of fairness and reward.

The word 'unmerited' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'merited,' which comes from the Latin 'meritus' meaning 'deserved.' The concept of something being unmerited can be traced back to ancient philosophical debates about justice and fairness.

See also: merited, meritorious, meritoriousness, unmeritedly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,436, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.