Meaning & Definition of word "Undeserved"
to
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!