undue advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue advantage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to an unfair benefit or privilege that is not justified or warranted. Example: "The company was found to have gained undue advantage over its competitors through unethical practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Lone Star's experience shows the nationalistic tightrope that private equity walks abroad, risking penalty if it is seen as taking undue advantage of local investors.

The New York Times

The aim with any equality initiative shouldn't be to create an undue advantage for women, but simply to remove barriers to a level playing field.

The Guardian

There should be an assurance in negotiations like this that powerful players are not going to gain undue advantage with technological surveillance.

The Guardian

Agency officials have expressed concerns about Pepsi's ability to leverage Quaker Oats Gatoradee, the dominant sports drink, to gain undue advantage over beverage manufacturers.

The New York Times

The convention, now signed by 35 countries, decrees that "enterprises should not, directly or indirectly, offer, promise, give, or demand a bribe or other undue advantage to obtain or retain business".

The Economist

Mr. Obama has proposed to tax the "carried interest" received by many hedge fund and private equity executives at higher ordinary income rates rather than as capital gains, arguing that current law gives them an undue advantage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"However, state aid in the form of impaired-asset relief has to be properly remunerated and should not give undue advantages to banks".

The New York Times

In a country where transportation and communication are difficult and expensive, Mr. Préval's Unity Party should not be given undue advantages.

The New York Times

Contrary to popular belief, affirmative action policies did not afford me any undue advantages that helped me to achieve my current status.

Science Magazine

Oftentimes this is proof of innovation, but sometimes firms use intellectual property rights and the idiosyncrasies of the patent system to gain undue advantages, unfairly harm competitors, and limit economic growth.

Huffington Post

The formula for avoiding inequities, undue partisan advantage and political dysfunction is the creation of independent redistricting commissions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about competition or fairness, use "undue advantage" to precisely indicate an unfair or disproportionate edge gained by someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "undue advantage" interchangeably with simply "advantage". "Undue advantage" specifically implies unfairness or inappropriateness in the way the advantage was obtained or is being used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue advantage" functions as a noun phrase, where "undue" modifies the noun "advantage". It commonly acts as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating something gained or possessed unfairly. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue advantage" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies an unfair or disproportionate benefit. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "unfair advantage" exist, "undue advantage" often carries a more formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure you're highlighting a clear ethical or competitive impropriety, as misuse may weaken your argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, using "undue advantage" accurately conveys critical intent, enriching discussions about justice and fairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfair advantage

This alternative highlights the lack of fairness in gaining an advantage.

unjustified benefit

Focuses on the lack of justification for the benefit received.

disproportionate edge

Emphasizes the imbalance created by the advantage.

inordinate privilege

Stresses that the privilege is excessive and beyond what is acceptable.

unwarranted advantage

Highlights that the advantage is not deserved or justified.

illegitimate gain

Indicates that the gain was obtained through improper or illegal means.

unmerited favor

Points out that the favor received was not earned or deserved.

excessive leverage

Draws attention to the use of disproportionate influence or power.

preferential treatment

Highlights the biased treatment leading to the advantage.

special dispensation

Indicates an exception or exemption granted unfairly.

FAQs

How to use "undue advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "undue advantage" to describe situations where someone gains an unfair or inappropriate benefit. For example: "The company was accused of gaining an "undue advantage" through insider trading."

What can I say instead of "undue advantage"?

You can use alternatives like "unfair advantage", "unjustified benefit", or "disproportionate edge" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "undue advantage" or "unfair advantage"?

Both "undue advantage" and "unfair advantage" are correct, but "undue advantage" often carries a more formal or legalistic tone, suggesting a more serious or formalized impropriety.

What's the difference between "undue advantage" and "competitive advantage"?

"Undue advantage" implies unfairness or impropriety, while "competitive advantage" simply means having an edge over competitors, which can be achieved legitimately through innovation or efficiency. Therefore, "competitive advantage" doesn't necessarily involve ethical concerns.