Word
unwarranted
Phoneticsun·war·rant·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈwɔɹəntɪd/
UK/ʌnwˈɒɹəntɪd/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The boss gave me some unwarranted criticism today.”
“The police decided that a full search of the vehicle was unwarranted because the driver had not broken any laws.”
“While the initial concerns were valid, the subsequent media frenzy was largely unwarranted and caused significant distress to the family involved.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“GenAI systems can produce falsehoods with unwarranted confidence .” “In retaliation, Canada announced a reciprocal levy, calling the US’s actions “unwarranted and unreasonable”.” Etymology
From un- + warranted.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unwarranted