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• uncalled-for
  uncalled-for

  adjective

  not called for; not required; superfluous; unwanted.
• uncalled for
  uncalled for

  Not justified, undeserved, as in That rude remark was uncalled for. [Early 1800s] Also see call for, def. 3.

uncalled-for

American  

[uhn-kawld-fawr] / ʌnˈkɔldˌfɔr /

adjective

1. not called for; not required; superfluous; unwanted.

2. unwarranted; unjustified; improper.

   an uncalled-for criticism.

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uncalled-for British  

/ ˌʌnˈkɔːldfɔː /

adjective

1. unnecessary or unwarranted

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uncalled for Idioms  

1. Not justified, undeserved, as in That rude remark was uncalled for. [Early 1800s] Also see call for, def. 3.

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Etymology

Origin of uncalled-for

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

He has said the city government has "grave concerns" about any deployment of troops, labelling the president's approach as "uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound".

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

“The problem with the President’s approach is that it is uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,” he shared.

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2025

“It’s uncalled for and something needs to be done, whether it’s them checking their fans or this league checking. There’s no time for it anymore,” she added.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

“I definitely think it was uncalled for, but I mean, it’s a rivalry game so I kind of expected it,” UNC guard RJ Davis said with a smile.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024

The comments upon my personal life were uncalled for and revealed a shocking lack of taste and decency.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole