# unduly

/ənˈduɫi/ (US) · /ʌndjˈuːli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unduly
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in a way that is too much or not fair. You use this when someone is being too strict or when a situation is more serious than it should be.

For teachers: to an excessive or unreasonable degree; in a manner that is not justified or fair.

## Examples

- The judge decided the punishment was unduly harsh.
- The committee felt the new rules were unduly restrictive and would prevent small businesses from competing.
- The legal team argued that the evidence was unduly prejudicial and should be excluded from the trial to ensure a fair verdict.

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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.