unduly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unduly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean 'excessively or unfairly', and it is usually used in negative statements, as in "He was not treated unduly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That gives him an edge on Marine Le Pen, whose efforts to reposition the FN as more mainstream and respectable have been hampered by Jean-Marie, the former paratrooper-and-proud of it who ran the party for decades and seems unduly fond of the Holocaust.

The Guardian

The letter reads: We are compelled to write this letter because we believe that the coal lobby, led by Peabody Energy (the largest coal company in the world), is trying to unduly influence the outcome of the G20 Summit.

The Guardian

Drug and implant manufacturers can unduly influence doctors and, if your doctor is happy to be asked about why they're recommending a particular treatment option, then you're more likely to trust them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Internal agency documents show for the first time how FBI agents have been closely monitoring anti-Keystone activists, in violation of guidelines designed to prevent the agency from becoming unduly involved in sensitive political issues.

The Guardian

"The regulation involving grandfathered plans, which applied to the employer market and the individual market, indicated that if a plan was in effect in March of 2010, stayed in effect without unduly burdening the consumer with reducing benefits and adding on huge costs, that plan would stay in effect and never have to comply with any regulations of the Affordable Care Act".

The Guardian

The Snowden files suggest GCHQ is not unduly worried about the IPT; it is easy to see why.

The Guardian

The attorney general's office has confirmed it is considering whether to refer the sentence to the court of appeal for being unduly lenient after receiving complaints.

The Guardian

Presumably, anyone who isn't worried about revealing to their employer that they have a same-sex domestic partner, won't worry unduly about taking that extra step and revealing that they have married that same-sex partner.

The Guardian - Money

However, it would be inappropriate and a dereliction of duty on the part of the president to unduly act hastily in his consideration of the report.

The Guardian

"Our previous policy was unduly narrow and limited our ability to act on certain kinds of threatening behavior.

The Guardian - Tech

Michele Bachmann was able to reach her high-water mark without being unduly encumbered by her gender; nor was she advantageously buoyed by it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unduly", ensure the sentence clearly conveys what is being done to an unwarranted or excessive degree. The context should make it obvious what the appropriate level or degree would be.

Common error

Avoid using "unduly" in situations where you intend to convey a positive attribute or outcome. "Unduly" typically implies an excess or lack of justification, making it unsuitable for praising positive qualities. Instead, consider words like "remarkably" or "exceptionally".

Linguistic Context

"Unduly" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express that something is done to an excessive, inappropriate, or unwarranted degree. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in negative contexts, indicating a deviation from what is considered acceptable or justified, exemplified by the phrase "not unduly worried".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unduly" functions as an adverb to express that something is excessive, inappropriate, or unwarranted. As Ludwig AI explains, it typically appears in negative statements and is commonly found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. When using "unduly", ensure that the context makes clear what is being done to an unwarranted or excessive degree. Avoid using "unduly" in positive contexts. Alternatives include "excessively", "inappropriately", and "unjustifiably". Ensure it accurately conveys the intended degree and justification within your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively

This alternative focuses on the degree to which something is beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

inappropriately

This alternative emphasizes the lack of suitability or appropriateness in a given situation.

unjustifiably

This alternative highlights the lack of a valid or reasonable basis for an action or decision.

disproportionately

This alternative suggests that something is out of proportion or imbalanced in relation to something else.

unwarrantedly

This alternative emphasizes that something is not justified or deserved.

overly

This alternative simply indicates that something is 'too' much or 'too' extreme.

needlessly

This alternative conveys that something is unnecessary or avoidable.

undeservedly

This alternative emphasizes that something is not earned or merited.

improperly

This alternative suggests that something is not done according to the correct procedure or standards.

unfairly

This alternative highlights that something is not equitable or just.

FAQs

How can I use "unduly" in a sentence?

Use "unduly" to indicate that something is done to an excessive or unwarranted degree. For example, "The defendant was not "unduly pressured" during questioning."

What are some alternatives to "unduly"?

Some alternatives to "unduly" include "excessively", "inappropriately", or "unjustifiably". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "unduly" and "excessively"?

While both words suggest that something is beyond what is normal or acceptable, "unduly" often implies that the excess is unwarranted or unfair, whereas "excessively" simply focuses on the degree.

Is it always negative to use the word "unduly"?

Yes, "unduly" almost always carries a negative connotation. It suggests that something has been done to an inappropriate or excessive degree, leading to an undesirable outcome.