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 belief is that forcing the long-term occupant to leave could result in undue hardship or injustice. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026

This is a tale of undue influence. —Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026

Some countries have laws administer what critics believe are cruel punishments or place undue restrictions on women and minorities. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Jan. 2026

But Roosevelt argued that these commissions had done little to restrain utilities from accumulating undue political and economic power. —Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 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