undue
Americanadjective
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unwarranted; excessive.
undue haste.
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inappropriate; unjustifiable; improper.
undue influence.
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not owed or currently payable.
adjective
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excessive or unwarranted
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unjust, improper, or illegal
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(of a debt, bond, etc) not yet payable
Usage
The use of undue in sentences such as there is no cause for undue alarm is redundant and should be avoided
Etymology
Origin of undue
First recorded in 1350–1400, undue is from the Middle English word undewe. See un- 1, due
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We are leveling the playing field so that plan fiduciaries can exercise their judgment—selecting plan investments without fear of undue liability.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Quiñones told the board that reducing or halting the city’s use of water from the Mono Basin would be “unwarranted, imprudent, and place undue financial burden on LADWP’s ratepayers.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026
A carefully constructed portfolio can help you meet these spending needs without taking undue risk.
From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026
I filed claims for breach of fiduciary duty and undue influence.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026
Newsmen, cursing the undue delay, stamped their feet and slapped frozen ears with ungloved, freezing hands.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
