What does unmeritedly mean?
Unmeritedly is an adverb meaning in a way that is not deserved and therefore lacks proper merit or justification. It is commonly used to describe praise, criticism, blame, attention, benefits, or advantages that someone has received without having earned them. The word often implies more than simple bad luck: it suggests that a decision or outcome was unfair, inappropriate, or influenced by something other than ability or achievement. For example, a promotion awarded unmeritedly suggests that the promoted person did not deserve the position on the basis of merit. In formal writing, unmeritedly is useful when criticizing systems, decisions, or forms of recognition that distribute rewards unevenly or without adequate reason. Its force comes from combining a precise moral judgment with an emphasis on the absence of earned justification.
adverbIn an unmerited or undeserved way; without having earned the praise, criticism, attention, benefit, or other treatment received.
- In a manner that is unmerited or undeserved, especially when praise, criticism, attention, blame, or benefits are received without sufficient merit or justification.
"The scholarship was awarded unmeritedly, despite several stronger candidates being overlooked."
"She received a promotion unmeritedly, while more experienced colleagues were overlooked."
"The report rightly warns that praise can be distributed unmeritedly, rewarding connections rather than achievement."
Unmerited praise can feel like a compliment—until you notice it was never earned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unmeritedly come from?
Unmeritedly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “unmerited.” “Unmerited” combines the prefix “un-” with “merit,” which derives from Latin meritus, meaning “deserved” or “meritorious,” and ultimately from Latin mereri, “to earn” or “to deserve.” The same Latin root also underlies related English words such as “meritorious,” “merit,” and “meritocracy.”
Related word forms
How unmeritedly is actually used
This is a formal and strongly evaluative word. It typically conveys that the recipient did not deserve the treatment in question and may imply unfairness, misuse of influence, or a flawed decision.
Easily confused with unmeritedly
“Unmerited” is the adjective describing something that was not deserved, while “unmeritedly” is the adverb describing the manner in which something happens without merit.