undue

adjective

un·​due ˌən-ˈdü How to pronounce undue (audio)
-ˈdyü
Synonyms of undue
1
: not due : not yet payable
2
: exceeding or violating propriety or fitness : more than is reasonable or necessary : excessive
undue force

Synonyms of undue

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Examples of undue in a Sentence

These requirements shouldn't cause you any undue hardship. His writing is elegant without calling undue attention to itself.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hurts’ blood clots continue to raise questions about whether the Super Bowl-winning quarterback was placed at undue risk by being allowed to play and who is responsible for making those decisions. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Human rights groups have long warned of the undue stress suspects in Japan are subject to during detention, ranging from aggressive questioning tactics to the lack of access to lawyers. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 People do not tend to respond well to immediate feedback, and this can also place undue emphasis on one instance rather than a broader trend. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 Democrats have framed Musk’s involvement in politics as undue influence from one of the world’s wealthiest people. — Casey Murray, Houston Chronicle, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undue

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undue was in the 14th century

Rhymes for undue

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Browse Nearby Words

undubitable
undue
undug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undue. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

undue

adjective
un·​due ˌən-ˈd(y)ü How to pronounce undue (audio)
1
: not due
2
: excessive
undue profit

Legal Definition

undue

adjective
un·​due ˌən-ˈdü, -ˈdyü How to pronounce undue (audio)
1
: not due : not yet payable
an undue bill
2
: exceeding or violating propriety or fitness
would impose undue hardship on the debtors
such a requirement would place an undue burden on employers
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