Unmeritedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unmeritedly
[ʌnˈmɛrɪtɪdli ]
Definition
in an undeserved or unwarranted manner
In a way that is not based on merit or deservingness.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
|
| unjustly |
This term is used in situations involving moral or legal wrongdoing, implying a sense of injustice or unfair treatment.
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Examples of usage
- He was unmeritedly promoted to a higher position.
- She was unmeritedly criticized for her work.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'unmeritedly'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'unmeritedly' is derived from the adjective 'unmerited', which comes from the verb 'merit'. The word 'merit' originated from the Latin word 'meritus', meaning 'deserved'. The prefix 'un-' in 'unmeritedly' indicates negation, turning the word into its opposite meaning. 'Unmeritedly' is commonly used in English to describe situations where something is given or received without deserving it.
See also: merited, meritorious, meritoriousness, unmerited.