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Unwarranted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unwarranted

[ʌnˈwɒrəntɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

criticism

Not justified or authorized; uncalled for; groundless.

Synonyms

baseless, unfounded, unjustified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwarranted

Use this word when something is done or said without any good reason or necessity, often implying that it is not appropriate or acceptable.

  • The manager's outburst was unwarranted
  • The strict punishment seemed unwarranted given the minor mistake
unjustified

This word is appropriate when something lacks a proper or acceptable reason, often implying that something is unfair or unreasonable.

  • The increased rent charges were unjustified
  • Unjustified delays in service can frustrate customers
unfounded

This word should be used when talking about beliefs or assertions that have no foundation in fact or reality.

  • His fears were unfounded
  • The judge ruled that the accusations were unfounded
baseless

This word is suitable when describing claims or statements that have no evidence or facts to support them.

  • The allegations against him were baseless
  • She dismissed the rumors as baseless

Examples of usage

  • The accusations against him were unwarranted.
  • Her harsh comments were unwarranted and hurtful.
Context #2 | Adjective

action

Done without adequate reason; unjustifiable.

Synonyms

indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwarranted

Similarly to 'unwarranted', it describes something without valid reason or evidence, often repetitive in nature.

  • The criticism was unwarranted.
  • Their concern seemed unwarranted given the circumstances.
unjustifiable

Best for describing actions or reasons that cannot be excused or validated.

  • Her excuse for being late was unjustifiable.
  • The company's high prices are unjustifiable.
unreasonable

Refers to something not based on or using reason or logic, often considered extreme or excessive.

  • It was unreasonable of him to expect everyone to work through the weekend.
  • Her demands were completely unreasonable.
indefensible

Utilized in situations where something cannot be defended or justified, often implying a strong moral or logical failure.

  • His behavior was completely indefensible.
  • The decision to cancel the funding was indefensible.

Examples of usage

  • His unwarranted interference only caused more problems.
  • The decision to fire her was completely unwarranted.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In law, 'unwarranted' often refers to actions taken without legal justification, like an unwarranted search.
  • Legal rights can be violated if actions against a person are classified as unwarranted, leading to court cases.
  • Law enforcement is required to have warrants to conduct searches, preventing unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, unwarranted beliefs can lead to biases and unfair treatment of others.
  • Cognitive distortions, like jumping to conclusions, often result in unwarranted assumptions about situations or people.
  • Mental health could be affected by unwarranted fears, causing anxiety over things that do not pose real danger.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies, characters face unwarranted criticism that leads to their downfall, showcasing themes of injustice.
  • Songs often discuss unwarranted love, where feelings are not reciprocated or are misunderstood.
  • Television shows frequently depict scenarios where characters receive unwarranted fame, critiquing society's values.

Everyday Life

  • People sometimes experience unwarranted compliments or praises that make them feel uncomfortable.
  • Unwarranted opinions, especially on social media, can lead to heated debates and misunderstandings.
  • In friendships, unwarranted jealousy can strain relationships, often leading to unnecessary conflict.

Origin of 'unwarranted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'warrant,' which means to guarantee or assure.
  • The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, so 'unwarranted' directly translates to 'not guaranteed.'
  • It has been in use since the late 16th century, reflecting a growing concern about justice and fairness.

The word 'unwarranted' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'warranted'. It has been used in English to describe actions or statements that are not justified or authorized, often in the context of criticism or unjustifiable behavior.

See also: unwarrantedly, warrant, warranted, warranty.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,053, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.