adj Uncommon

undue

uhn-DYOO

Undue (adj) means More than is reasonable or necessary; excessive. Example: “The manager put undue pressure on the new intern.”

adj

More than is reasonable or necessary; excessive.

"The manager put undue pressure on the new intern."

"There's no need for undue alarm — the situation is under control."

Not justified or improper.

"The court ruled that the contract was signed under undue influence."

How to use undue

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMore than what is fair or necessary — too much, or not justified.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "unduly," which is the adverb form (e.g., "unduly harsh" vs. "undue harshness").

Easily confused with

unduly →

Common pairings

undue pressure undue influence undue delay undue haste

Word forms

more undue comparative, most undue superlative

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The manager put _____ pressure on the new intern.

Etymology

From un- ("not") plus due.

Rhymes for undue

rue due sue cue hue blue true flue clue glue imbue pique

See all rhymes for undue →

Frequently asked questions

What does “undue” mean?

The word “undue” means more than is reasonable or necessary; excessive. In plain terms, more than what is fair or necessary — too much, or not justified.

How do you pronounce “undue”?

“Undue” is pronounced uhn-DYOO (/ʌnˈduː/ in IPA).

How do you use “undue” in a sentence?

Here is “undue” used in a sentence: “The manager put undue pressure on the new intern.”

What part of speech is “undue”?

“Undue” is an adjective.

Is “undue” a common word?

“Undue” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “undue” have?

“Undue” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: more than is reasonable or necessary; excessive.

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