undue

UK: ʌnˈdjuː | US: ʌnˈduː

Definition

  1. adj. excessive or unwarranted

  2. adj. not appropriate or proper

Structure
un <not>due <owed, appropriate>
Etymology

The word "undue" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not") with "due" (from Latin "debere," meaning "to owe"). Originally, "due" referred to something owed or fitting, and adding "un-" negates this, creating the sense of "not owed" or "excessive." Over time, it evolved to emphasize impropriety or lack of justification.

Examples

  1. The manager faced criticism for showing undue favoritism to certain employees.

  2. She felt undue pressure to meet the unrealistic deadline.

  3. His reaction was considered undue for such a minor mistake.

  4. The law prohibits undue influence in contractual agreements.

  5. The project was delayed due to undue complications in the planning phase.