Meaning & Definition of word "Undeserved"

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    Undeserved

    /ˌʌndɪˈzɜrvd/

    adjective:

    • 1. Not deserved; not merited or earned.
      • Example: He received an undeserved promotion that left many of his colleagues frustrated.
    • 2. Unjustly or unfairly received.
      • Example: The student faced undeserved criticism for a mistake that was not entirely her fault.
    • 3. Given without justification or merit.
      • Example: Her comments about his work were filled with undeserved praise that masked the real issues.
    • 4. Not warranted or justified.
      • Example: The athlete endured undeserved backlash following the team's loss in the championship.
    • 5. Without justification or reason.
      • Example: The teacher felt that the student's punishment was undeserved and unfair.

    Etymology

    From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'deserved' from the verb 'deserve', which derives from Latin 'deservire'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    undeserved reward:

    A benefit given without earning it.

    undeserved criticism:

    Negative feedback that is not warranted by the person's actions.

    undeserved luck:

    Good fortune that someone has not earned or worked for.

    Related Words

    deserve:

    To have earned or to be worthy of something.

    merit:

    The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.

    Slang Meanings of undeserved

    Meaning: Not fair.

    Example Sentence: Getting called out for something I didn't do feels so undeserved, man.

    Meaning: A freebie that you didn't earn.

    Example Sentence: That free drink at the bar was totally undeserved, but I'll take it!