ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unwarranted

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ənˈwɔɹəntɪd// UK //ʌnwˈɒɹəntɪd// un·war·rant·ed

adj. not fair or necessary for the situation. You use this to describe an action or feeling that has no good reason behind it.

adj. lacking justification, authority, or a valid reason. Often describes negative reactions, such as criticism or interference, that are seen as excessive or unearned.


SIMPLE

The boss gave me some unwarranted criticism today.

CONTEXTUAL

The police decided that a full search of the vehicle was unwarranted because the driver had not broken any laws.

COMPLEX

While the initial concerns were valid, the subsequent media frenzy was largely unwarranted and caused significant distress to the family involved.

Synonyms
Origin

From un- + warranted.

Usage

Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

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