What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undue
Example
The teacher gave him undue praise for such a simple task. [undue: adjective]
Example
She felt undue pressure to perform well on the exam. [undue: adjective]
excessive
Example
The company spent an excessive amount of money on the party. [excessive: adjective]
Example
He was criticized for his excessive use of force in the situation. [excessive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excessive is more commonly used than undue in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undue and excessive?
Undue is typically associated with a more formal tone, while excessive can be used in both formal and informal contexts.