undue

adjective

un·​due ˌən-ˈdü 

-ˈdyü

1

: not due : not yet payable

2

: exceeding or violating propriety or fitness : more than is reasonable or necessary : excessive

undue force

Synonyms of undue

• excessive
• extreme
• steep

Examples of undue in a Sentence

These requirements shouldn't cause you any undue hardship.

His writing is elegant without calling undue attention to itself.

Recent Examples on the Web

Naroditsky’s untimely death has shined a spotlight on the dark underbelly of the game that fellow pros say brought undue hostility upon the chess star in his final months. —Corey Williams, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

When and if he is caught, there should be no undue delay in his trial. —Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

Thus, despite the science, people are often inclined toward undue optimism about the climate or toward skepticism or even outright denial. —John M. Crisp, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025

Current and former councilmembers meanwhile said Sheffield brought a rare level of policy focus to her role and that a high-profile agenda an attract undue scrutiny. —Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undue

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

undue

adjective

un·​due ˌən-ˈd(y)ü 

1

: not due

2

: excessive

undue profit

Legal Definition

undue

adjective

un·​due ˌən-ˈdü, -ˈdyü 

1

: not due : not yet payable

an undue bill

2

: exceeding or violating propriety or fitness

would impose undue hardship on the debtors

such a requirement would place an undue burden on employers