unmerited

IPA/ˌʌnˈmer.ɪ.tɪd/
IPA/ˌʌnˈmer.ɪ.t̬ɪd/

unmerited — adjective

  • unmeritedpositive
  • more unmeritedcomparative
  • most unmeritedsuperlative

1. given to someone without them having earned it through their own actions or qual

1.形容詞C1
釋義

given to someone without them having earned it through their own actions or qualities — often describing praise, criticism, blame, or good fortune that feels unfair or random.

例句

The teacher's harsh words about Shirin's essay seemed unmerited to the rest of the class.

predicative use: be + unmerited

Nikos thought the prize was unmerited because his teammates had done far more work.

同義詞
  • undeserved

    more common in everyday speech; same core meaning

  • unwarranted

    stronger emphasis on the action being unnecessary or excessive

  • unjustified

    focuses on lack of justification rather than lack of merit

  • uncalled-for

    informal register; suggests the behaviour was inappropriate

反義詞

文法句型

unmerited + noun

be + unmerited

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal or written English. Typical noun partners include 'criticism', 'praise', 'blame', 'advantage', and 'reputation'. Less common in everyday conversation, where 'undeserved' is more typical.

常見錯誤

❌She felt unmerited by the promotion.
✅She felt the promotion was unmerited.
💡'Unmerited' describes the thing received, not the person's feeling.
❌The criticism was unmerited for his mistake.
✅The criticism was unmerited given his mistake.
💡Use 'given' or 'considering', not 'for', to introduce the reason.