Undeserved

/ˌʌndɪˈzɜrvd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not deserved; not merited or earned.

He received an undeserved promotion that left many of his colleagues frustrated.

Unjustly or unfairly received.

The student faced undeserved criticism for a mistake that was not entirely her fault.

Given without justification or merit.

Her comments about his work were filled with undeserved praise that masked the real issues.

Not warranted or justified.

The athlete endured undeserved backlash following the team's loss in the championship.

Without justification or reason.

The teacher felt that the student's punishment was undeserved and unfair.

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

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.

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.

Not fair.

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

A freebie that you didn't earn.

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