What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ordinately
Example
The files were arranged ordinately on the shelves. [ordinately: adverb]
Example
The steps of the experiment were carried out in an ordinately fashion. [ordinately: adjective]
unduly
Example
She was unduly harsh in her criticism of his work. [unduly: adverb]
Example
The company's decision to terminate him was unduly severe. [unduly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unduly is more commonly used than ordinately in everyday language. Unduly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ordinately is less common and refers to a specific type of behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ordinately and unduly?
Ordinately is more formal than unduly, which is often used in informal contexts.
