undeserved

adjective

Definition of undeservednext
as in unfair

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of undeserved Gray hair has officially shed its old, undeserved reputation. — Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2026 And the Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund (NBXG), a recent addition to the CEF Insider portfolio, is a solid option that’s clinging to an undeserved double-digit discount. — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 Canada’s capital doesn’t get the same buzz as Toronto or Montreal, and frankly, that’s undeserved. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026 Shell countersued, alleging that Cipriani was attempting to exploit their fleeting relationship to shake him down for an undeserved payday. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for undeserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undeserved
  1. unfair
  2. undue
  3. unjustified
  4. unjust
  5. unmerited
  6. unwarranted
Adjective
  • Kretzschmar and his lawyers, however, argued in state court in Tompkins County that the process was fundamentally unfair, including because he was found responsible for an offense that was not listed in his initial set of administrative charges.
    — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In October 2025, Jean-Louis filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Monét alleging breach of contract and unfair competition.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfair
Adjective
  • It should be stopped, assuming doing so doesn't trigger undue consequences.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In 1941, the aviator Charles Lindbergh may still have been praising Hitler’s air power and railing against undue Jewish influence.
    — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of undue
Adjective
  • Verizon is committed to offering a wide variety of diverse programming across our lineup, while also protecting our viewers from unjustified price increases.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Brents had a solid day; he was victimized on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that seemed unjustified.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of unjustified
Adjective
  • Kosovo has criticized the verdicts as unjust, maintaining that the KLA, which Thaci had led before entering politics, had fought against Serbian oppression.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For the same reason, the players’ unjust enrichment claim came up short.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of unjust
Adjective
  • There’s barely a line of dialogue from any secondary character that doesn’t sound ripped from Twitter — not unmerited, just fatiguing.
    — Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Amin had a penchant for strutting around in public wearing a military jacket full of flashy but unmerited awards.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of unmerited
Adjective
  • Critics have argued that much of the data collected is from people who are not suspected of any wrongdoing, amounting to unwarranted surveillance of lawful activities.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Given the fact Iger did return to the company, that belief was not unwarranted.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of unwarranted

Browse Nearby Words

underwrote
undeserved
undeserving
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undeserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undeserved. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Luddite

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All