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

Such variances can come into play whenever the strict application of community guidelines would cause undue hardship, and directors may also consider conditional approvals that require additional safeguards and modifications. —Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

This is part of curbing undue corporate influence and having accountable neighbors. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent. —Darrell Smith may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

Panama is a pillar of our maritime trading system, and as such must remain free from any undue external pressure. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026

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