unwarranted
UK: ʌnˈwɒrəntɪd | US: ʌnˈwɔːrəntɪd
adj. not justified or authorized
adj. lacking a basis in reason or fact
unwarranted = un<not> + warrant<authorize> + ed<adjective suffix>
- un: A prefix meaning "not," from Old English un-, widely used to negate words.
- warrant: From Old North French warant (guarantor, protector), derived from Proto-Germanic warjaną (to defend). Evolved to mean "authorization" or "justification."
- ed: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Germanic roots via Old French, combining the negative prefix un- with warrant (originally a legal term for "authorization"). Over time, warrant expanded to imply justification, making unwarranted mean "without proper justification." The logic reflects a legal metaphor: something "unwarranted" lacks the "warrant" (proof or authority) to validate it.
The criticism was unwarranted and hurtful.
His unwarranted interference caused confusion.
She felt the accusation was entirely unwarranted.
The policy change drew unwarranted backlash.
Such extreme measures seem unwarranted in this situation.