undue

adjective

un·​due ˌən-ˈdü How to pronounce undue (audio)
-ˈdyü
Synonyms of undue
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Wiener Werkstätte’s undue obscurity may have something to do with not only those epistolary expressions of skepticism by the founding fathers of the Frankfurt School, but also Hoffmann’s latter-day Nazism, which in this show goes unmentioned. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 But with that slice of luck came a sudden outburst of responsibility from Brook, who then scored at almost a run a ball but did so sensibly and without taking any undue risks. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Choosing the Wrong Time Pruning a fruit tree heavily in the middle of the summer when the weather is at its hottest can cause undue stress. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 But Ukraine does not have long-range weapons that are precise and reliable enough to hit Russian airports without posing an undue risk to civilians, the official said. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undue

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undue was in the 14th century

Rhymes for undue

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Browse Nearby Words

undubitable
undue
undug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undue. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

undue

adjective
un·​due ˌən-ˈd(y)ü How to pronounce undue (audio)
1
: not due
2
: excessive
undue profit

Legal Definition

undue

adjective
un·​due ˌən-ˈdü, -ˈdyü How to pronounce undue (audio)
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
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