undeserved

adjective

un·​de·​served ˌən-di-ˈzərvd 

: not earned or deserved : not justified or merited

undeserved criticism/praise

an undeserved reputation

undeservedly

ˌən-di-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

-ˈzərvd-lē

adverb

a plan that has been undeservedly criticized

undeservedness

ˌən-di-ˈzər-vəd-nəs 

-ˈzərvd-nəs

noun

Examples of undeserved in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And the Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund (NBXG), a recent addition to the CEF Insider portfolio, is a solid option that’s clinging to an undeserved double-digit discount. —Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Canada’s capital doesn’t get the same buzz as Toronto or Montreal, and frankly, that’s undeserved. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

Shell countersued, alleging that Cipriani was attempting to exploit their fleeting relationship to shake him down for an undeserved payday. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 June 2026

As a general rule, English sides tend to win European Cup finals against foreign opposition by not really competing in midfield and somehow scraping a somewhat ‘undeserved’ win. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for undeserved

• conserved
• decurved
• deserved
• incurved
• observed
• preserved
• recurved
• reserved
• subserved
• unnerved
• unserved
• curved