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Definition of unmerited

unmerited

/ʌnˈmɛr.ɪ.tɪd/
un · mer · it · ed
Adverb:unmeritedly
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unmerited Lexical Profile

unmerited Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not deserved, earned, or justified, whether referring to harsh criticism, punishment, or favorable treatment and praise.

Example

"The committee concluded that the harsh criticism directed at the junior researcher was entirely unmerited."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unmerited

• Nearby Words

unmentioned
unmerciful
unmercifully
unmerited
unmet
unmetered
unmethodical

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the English prefix 'un-' ('not') and 'merited', the past participle of 'merit', which derives via Old French from Latin 'meritum' ('that which is earned or deserved').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unmerited. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unmerited
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