undeserved

adjective

un·​de·​served ˌən-di-ˈzərvd How to pronounce undeserved (audio)
Synonyms of undeservednext
: not earned or deserved : not justified or merited
undeserved criticism/praise
an undeserved reputation
undeservedly
ˌən-di-ˈzər-vəd-lē How to pronounce undeserved (audio)
-ˈzərvd-lē
adverb
a plan that has been undeservedly criticized
undeservedness
ˌən-di-ˈzər-vəd-nəs How to pronounce undeserved (audio)
-ˈzərvd-nəs
noun

Examples of undeserved in a Sentence

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.
Lexie isn't out giving a team that is playing well any undeserved attention for doing so. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 Dix was a baseball prodigy too cocky and flashy for his own good who now coasts through life on his long-ago heroics coupled with charm and an undeserved diet of luck. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for undeserved

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for undeserved

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Cite this Entry

“Undeserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undeserved. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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