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
1
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."
2
Not justified or improper.
"The court ruled that the contract was signed under undue influence."
How to use undue
Learner’s notesIn 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").
Common pairings
undue pressure
undue influence
undue delay
undue haste
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more undue
- Superlative
- most undue
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The manager put _____ pressure on the new intern.
Etymology
From un- ("not") plus due.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for undue
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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