uncalled-for
Americanadjective
-
not called for; not required; superfluous; unwanted.
-
unwarranted; unjustified; improper.
an uncalled-for criticism.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of uncalled-for
First recorded in 1600–10
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.
Outside of the uncalled-for bullying, Jessel's sarcastic delivery, her eccentric fashions and her seemingly connected status in the New York fashion scene have really cemented her as a star in the making.
From Salon • Oct. 18, 2023
Better, but still bad: a $37 crabcake, mushy in some places and dry in others, with muddy-tasting crab lumps and an intermittent, uncalled-for spicy heat.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 24, 2022
It sounds like a deliberate and uncalled-for put-down.
From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2018
The State Department has called Putin’s order “a regrettable and uncalled-for act.”
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2017
Lorraine inquired, which was a little uncalled-for since all you had to do was look at the tray, and you could tell it was the usual rubbery eggs you always get in a hospital.
From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel
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.
