unduly delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unduly delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been postponed or held up for an excessive or unreasonable amount of time. Example: "The shipment was unduly delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, causing frustration among the customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

4. Information must be obtained promptly so that the payment of benefits is not unduly delayed. 5.

Cornell University

Internet exposure might even have facilitated his entry into the business (not that it was unduly delayed).

The New Yorker

Only one piece of advice rang hollow: "Know your rights if your plane is unduly delayed," she writes.

The New York Times

Brown v. Chapman, 304 F. 2d 149). "As between the immediate parties to the sale [the notice requirement] is a sound commercial rule, designed to protect the seller against unduly delayed claims for damages.

Harvard University

Judge Rojas Via has unduly delayed the Filartiga case in the courts, and no relief can be obtained, as the Paraguayan judiciary is an appendage of the executive branch.

Yale University

But ministerial guidelines state that charter flights can only be used under special circumstances "such as where no scheduled commercial services exist or a minister would be unduly delayed by the use of scheduled services".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Labor "won't unduly delay the debate", Shorten said.

The Guardian

Members believed three months provided enough time to gain reliable measures without unduly delaying modifications.

Harvard Business Review

L. 109 177, § 114(b), inserted ", except if the adverse results consist only of unduly delaying a trial" after "2705".

Cornell University

The team believed that three months would provide enough time to gain reliable measures without unduly delaying modifications.

Harvard Business Review

The Federal Trade Commission has asked Congress to revise patent laws to prevent drug manufacturers from unduly delaying the sale of generics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unduly delayed", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or expectation makes the delay "undue". Providing specific details about the expected timeline can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "unduly delayed" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "too late" or "held up" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unduly delayed" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective that together describe the state of something being postponed beyond a reasonable or acceptable time. As Ludwig AI explains, this combination serves to emphasize the inappropriateness or excessiveness of the delay.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unduly delayed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote delays exceeding acceptable bounds. According to Ludwig AI, it's often found in contexts where the appropriateness or fairness of a deferment is questioned. It is prevalent in academic, scientific, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the expectation or standard being violated is beneficial. Though versatile, the term may come across as overly formal in everyday contexts. While alternatives abound, the best option hinges on the particular nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustifiably postponed

Replaces "delayed" with "postponed" and emphasizes the lack of justification for the delay.

excessively protracted

Emphasizes the length of the delay, suggesting it has been made longer than necessary.

inordinately prolonged

Similar to "excessively protracted" but with a more formal tone.

unnecessarily held up

Focuses on the obstruction or impediment causing the delay, rather than the delay itself.

improperly deferred

Suggests the delay was inappropriate or against established procedures.

inappropriately extended

Highlights the inappropriateness of lengthening the duration.

unwarrantedly adjourned

Specifically refers to a formal postponement, such as a meeting or legal proceeding, without proper justification.

gratuitously lingered

Suggests the delay was without cause or reason.

needlessly retarded

Highlights that the delay was avoidable and caused unnecessary slowing down.

indefensibly stalled

Emphasizes the lack of a valid defense or reason for the delay.

FAQs

How can I use "unduly delayed" in a sentence?

Use "unduly delayed" to describe a situation where something is postponed or held up for an excessive or unreasonable amount of time. For instance, "The project was "unjustifiably postponed" due to bureaucratic issues".

What's a simpler way to say "unduly delayed"?

Consider alternatives like "unnecessarily delayed", "excessively protracted", or "unjustifiably postponed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "unduly delayed" and "delayed"?

"Delayed" simply means something is postponed. "Unduly delayed" implies the delay is excessive, unwarranted, or unreasonable. The addition of "unduly" adds a judgment about the appropriateness or acceptability of the "hold up".

When is it appropriate to use "unduly delayed" in writing?

It's suitable for formal writing, legal documents, or professional communications where you want to emphasize that a "deferment" has exceeded acceptable limits or caused an unfair disadvantage.