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.
On Thursday, federal court records show, attorneys for Marseille filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, seeking damages for what the suit contends was undue use of force. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Supporters argue that these efforts are necessary to preserve attorney independence, protect client confidentiality, and prevent investors from exerting undue influence over lawyers. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Smith explained how supporting election workers and election officials is essential to prepare for any undue influence in the elections. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026 This process is a gradual one that supports treatment without placing undue stress on a patient. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 29 June 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 13 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on undue

Nglish: Translation of undue for Spanish Speakers

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