# undeserving

/ˌəndɪˈzɝvɪŋ/ (US) · /ˌʌndɪzˈɜːvɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/undeserving
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

not good enough to get praise, help, or a reward. You use this when you think someone has not earned what they receive.

For teachers: lacking worthiness or merit for a benefit, reward, or favourable treatment. Often followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase naming the benefit.

## Examples

- They feel undeserving of such kind praise today.
- After missing most practices, he feels undeserving of a place on the starting team.
- Despite years of quiet service, she remained convinced she was undeserving of public recognition, deflecting every compliment with self-effacing humour.

## Usage notes

- Typically followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase ('undeserving of praise').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.