Undeservedly

Adverb. In a way that is not merited or earned; without just cause or reason. It implies receiving something, often positive (praise, reward, or even a lack of punishment), that one does not rightfully warrant. The implication is that fairness or justice has been breached, often due to luck, bias, or the actions of others. This can apply to both positive and negative outcomes: someone might be undeservedly praised, or undeservedly criticized. It highlights a lack of alignment between the outcome and the actions or qualities of the individual concerned.

Undeservedly meaning with examples

• Despite his consistent poor performance, the intern was undeservedly promoted over more qualified colleagues. The office was abuzz with unfairness, as his connections were clearly influencing decisions. Everyone felt he received special treatment. It fueled a widespread sense of injustice. This situation exposed the inherent problems in the company's promotion policies.
• The film received undeservedly harsh criticism from reviewers, focusing primarily on irrelevant issues. The film deserved more appreciation than what was expressed. Audiences enjoyed the film, but critics were overly harsh. The negativity seemed to ignore the film's subtle strengths, contributing to its unfortunate box-office performance.
• He was undeservedly blamed for a mistake he didn't commit, and was unjustly reprimanded. The real culprit remained undiscovered, while the innocent man had to bear the burden of the error. It left a bitter taste for him. He was unfairly punished.
• She was undeservedly burdened by her family's problems, being expected to resolve their financial struggles. Her siblings and parents were dependent on her, leaving her to suffer from the pressure of expectations. Her burden grew with each passing day. She helped them while she could, but it began to weigh her down.