What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undeservedly
Example
She received the promotion undeservedly, as she did not meet the qualifications. [undeservedly: adverb]
Example
He was undeservedly praised for his mediocre performance. [undeservedly: adverb]
unfairly
Example
The defendant was unfairly treated by the judge due to their race. [unfairly: adverb]
Example
She was unfairly blamed for the mistake made by her colleague. [unfairly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unfairly is more commonly used than undeservedly in everyday language. Unfairly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undeservedly is less common and refers to a specific type of situation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undeservedly and unfairly?
Both undeservedly and unfairly can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but undeservedly may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.