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

The bills’ supporters argued that the state lacks a complete understanding of data centers’ water usage, while opponents believed the existing reporting sufficient, and posited that new laws would create undue burdens. — Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026

With a few other liberal Democrats, nicknamed the Grizzlies, Sher would pick through turgid language of legislation looking for provisions that reflected the undue influence of special interests. — Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

In an April interview, Chiefs President Mark Donovan said the board was too large for one team representative to exercise undue influence. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

This architecture could give the president undue influence over which investors, regions, and communities benefit from recovery. — Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 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