undue thickness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue thickness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thickness that is excessive or inappropriate in a particular context, often in technical or descriptive writing. Example: "The material was deemed unsuitable for the project due to its undue thickness, which would compromise the overall design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The word's undue thickness perfectly matches its meaning.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tephra thicknesses were not recorded on these plots as undue surface disturbance would have resulted.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Undue influence?

The Economist

And "undue influence".

The New York Times - Books

What's an "undue burden"?

The New Yorker

"Does he have undue influence?

The New York Times

Cut to sandwich thickness?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The tasteful thickness".

The Guardian - Film

This is not an undue hardship.

The Economist

There was no undue use of force".

Independent

Industry groups call that undue regulatory interference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical properties, quantify "undue thickness" with specific measurements whenever possible to provide a clearer understanding. For example, instead of saying "the coating had undue thickness", specify "the coating had an undue thickness of 5mm, exceeding the specified 2mm limit".

Common error

Avoid using "undue thickness" in casual or informal writing where simpler terms like "excessive" or "too thick" would be more appropriate. "Undue thickness" is best suited for technical descriptions or formal reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue thickness" functions as a noun phrase, where "undue" modifies the noun "thickness". It describes a quality of something, indicating that its thickness is excessive or inappropriate. As seen in Ludwig, "undue thickness" perfectly matches its meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue thickness" is a phrase used to describe a thickness that is excessive or inappropriate, best suited for technical or formal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though it is relatively rare. The phrase often appears in news and scientific publications. When using "undue thickness", it's best to quantify the thickness with measurements and avoid using it in casual writing where simpler alternatives would suffice. Alternatives such as "excessive thickness" or "inordinate thickness" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive thickness

This phrase directly replaces "undue" with "excessive", emphasizing the degree of thickness.

inordinate thickness

Using "inordinate" suggests the thickness is beyond what is reasonable or normal.

unwarranted thickness

"Unwarranted" implies the thickness is not justified or necessary.

disproportionate thickness

This highlights that the thickness is out of balance with other dimensions or requirements.

superfluous thickness

"Superfluous" indicates the thickness is beyond what is needed.

unnecessary thickness

Simply states that the thickness is not required.

abnormal thickness

Highlights that the thickness deviates from the norm.

exaggerated thickness

Suggests the thickness is amplified or overstated.

unreasonable thickness

Similar to unwarranted, but emphasizes the lack of logical justification.

extreme thickness

Emphasizes the high degree or intensity of the thickness.

FAQs

What does "undue thickness" mean?

The phrase "undue thickness" refers to a thickness that is excessive, inappropriate, or unwarranted for a particular purpose or context. It suggests that the thickness is more than necessary or acceptable.

When is it appropriate to use the term "undue thickness"?

It is most appropriate in technical, scientific, or formal contexts where precise descriptions are necessary. Simpler alternatives like "excessive thickness" or "unnecessary thickness" may be better suited for general writing.

Are there synonyms for "undue thickness"?

Yes, synonyms include "excessive thickness", "inordinate thickness", "unwarranted thickness", and "superfluous thickness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "undue thickness" in a sentence?

For example: "The material was rejected because of its undue thickness." Or: "The undue thickness of the paint layer caused it to crack prematurely."