unduly

adverb

un·​du·​ly ˌən-ˈdü-lē 

-ˈdyü-

: in an undue manner : excessively

an unduly harsh punishment

unduly sensitive

Synonyms

• devilishly
• excessively
• exorbitantly
• inordinately
• intolerably
• monstrously
• overly
• overmuch
• too
• unacceptably

Examples of unduly in a Sentence

taxes that unduly burden homeowners

The punishment was unduly harsh.

Recent Examples on the Web

But this idea is itself in keeping with current right-wing orthodoxy, which holds that a main reason that young people express more-liberal politics is that they have been unduly brainwashed by nefarious leftists who work as teachers and professors. —Philip Bump, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

Justice Clarence Thomas, as is his wont, wrote separately to note that the Court should seek more consistency by rethinking some of its unduly broad standing rules. —The Editors, National Review, 14 June 2024

There is also concern that small rural towns — where most large solar winds up — will be unduly hurt. —Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2024

Environmental harm is unduly inflicted on the poorest countries. —James K. Boyce, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unduly

adverb

un·​du·​ly ˌən-ˈd(y)ü-lē 

ˈən-

: in an undue manner

especially : excessively

unduly upset

Legal Definition

unduly

adverb

un·​du·​ly ˌən-ˈdü-lē, -ˈdyü- 

: in an undue manner : to an excessive degree

unduly influenced the testator