Unmeritedly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unmeritedly

[ʌnˈmɛrɪtɪdli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in an undeserved or unwarranted manner

In a way that is not based on merit or deservingness.

Synonyms

undeservedly, unjustly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unmeritedly	This word is used to convey that something was given or received without deserving it, often emphasizing the lack of worthiness or rightful claim. She felt unmeritedly praised for the project she barely contributed to. He was unmeritedly honored, and everyone knew it wasn't his work.
undeservedly	This word is suitable when describing situations where rewards, punishments, or outcomes are not justified by the person's actions, frequently implying a level of unfairness. He received the promotion undeservedly, as his performance had been mediocre. The criticism she faced was undeservedly harsh given her sincere efforts.
unjustly	This term is used in situations involving moral or legal wrongdoing, implying a sense of injustice or unfair treatment. He was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. She was treated unjustly by her employer, who showed clear favoritism towards others.

Word

Description / Examples

unmeritedly

This word is used to convey that something was given or received without deserving it, often emphasizing the lack of worthiness or rightful claim.

She felt unmeritedly praised for the project she barely contributed to.
He was unmeritedly honored, and everyone knew it wasn't his work.

undeservedly

This word is suitable when describing situations where rewards, punishments, or outcomes are not justified by the person's actions, frequently implying a level of unfairness.

He received the promotion undeservedly, as his performance had been mediocre.
The criticism she faced was undeservedly harsh given her sincere efforts.

unjustly

This term is used in situations involving moral or legal wrongdoing, implying a sense of injustice or unfair treatment.

He was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.
She was treated unjustly by her employer, who showed clear favoritism towards others.

Examples of usage

He was unmeritedly promoted to a higher position.
She was unmeritedly criticized for her work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the word 'merit,' which means something that earns praise or reward, combined with the prefix 'un-' meaning not.
The suffix '-edly' is used to form adverbs, turning the adjective 'unmerited' into an action, indicating how something is done.

Ethics

Discussions around fairness often center on whether actions should be rewarded based on merit or arbitrary factors.
The concept of unmerited rewards poses moral questions about justice and equity in society.

Literature

In literature, characters often face dilemmas involving unmerited advantages, leading to conflicts and moral lessons.
Fables frequently explore themes where characters receive rewards they did not deserve, teaching lessons about justice.

Psychology

Experiencing unmerited rewards can lead to feelings of guilt or a lack of fulfillment in individuals.
Psychological studies suggest that people who receive unmerited praise may struggle with self-esteem and impostor syndrome.

Pop Culture

Film and TV often portray characters who receive unmerited success, creating tension and driving plots.
Reality shows sometimes award contestants based on popularity rather than talent or effort, leading to public debates on meritocracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "unmeritedly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imerecidamente

🇮🇳 अन्यायपूर्ण तरीके से

🇩🇪 unverdient

🇮🇩 tanpa pantas

🇺🇦 незаслужено

🇵🇱 niezasłużenie

🇯🇵 不当にも

🇫🇷 indûment

🇪🇸 inmerecidamente

🇹🇷 hak edilmeyen bir şekilde

🇰🇷 부당하게

🇸🇦 بغير استحقاق

🇨🇿 nezaslouženě

🇸🇰 nezáslužene

🇨🇳 不应得地

🇸🇮 nezasluženo

🇮🇸 óverðskuldað

🇰🇿 лайықсыз

🇬🇪 დაუმსახურებლად

🇦🇿 haqsız olaraq

🇲🇽 inmerecidamente