uncalled-for

/ʌnˈkɔːld fɔː(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈkɔːld fɔːr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈkȯl(d)-ˌfȯr How to pronounce uncalled-for (audio)/ (ame, mw)

uncalled-for — adjective

1. used for a remark, criticism, or action that had no good reason behind it and wa

1.形容詞C1
釋義

used for a remark, criticism, or action that had no good reason behind it and was more hurtful than the situation justified.

例句

Talia thought the joke about her accent was completely uncalled-for.

intensifier: completely uncalled-for

After Arjun apologized, Heather's angry text still felt uncalled-for.

predicative after felt

同義詞
  • unjustified

    more formal and broader; can describe decisions or punishment as well as speech.

  • gratuitous

    stronger and more literary; suggests needless cruelty or offensiveness.

  • unnecessary

    broader and less emotional; often means simply not needed.

反義詞
  • justified

    reasonable or supported by the situation.

  • warranted

    formal; deserved or appropriate under the circumstances.

  • appropriate

    the most general opposite for behaviour that fits the moment.

文法句型

[remark/action] + be + uncalled-for

uncalled-for + [comment/criticism/insult]

用法筆記

Most often comes after be, feel, or seem when a speaker judges a remark or action after it happens. Before a noun, it usually modifies words such as comment, criticism, insult, or aggression rather than ordinary objects.

常見錯誤

❌The rain delay was uncalled-for.
✅The manager's angry shout during the rain delay was uncalled-for.
💡Use this word for chosen remarks or actions, not for accidents or neutral events.
❌His apology was uncalled-for.
✅His insult was uncalled-for.
💡The adjective usually condemns hostile or excessive behaviour, not a reasonable apology.