undeserved
Given without cause
Undeserved describes something received without merit—whether reward or punishment.
Undeserved praise flatters beyond what's earned; undeserved criticism attacks unfairly.
The word implies a mismatch between what someone gets and what they actually merit: His reputation for brilliance was largely undeserved.
Not rightfully gained
- unmeritedNot rightfully due
- unwarrantedWithout adequate justification
- unjustifiedLacking adequate reason
- undueBeyond what's warranted
gratuitous · excessive · disproportionate · arbitrary · baseless · groundless · unfounded · unprovoked
Being made to suffer
- wrongfulWithout legal right
- mistreatmentCruel or harmful behavior
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
oppression · prejudice · scapegoating · blame · accusation · condemnation · punishment · suffering
Compassion toward offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- reprievePostponement of punishment
absolution · compassion · kindness · favor · blessing · amnesty · leniency · indulgence
Unanticipated lucky gain
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- luckChance affecting outcomes
- fortuneWealth or destiny
- privilegeExclusive right or benefit
advantage · benefit · credit · praise · recognition · accolade · honor · reputation
unearned
Not rightfully gained
- unmeritedNot rightfully due
- unwarrantedWithout adequate justification
- unjustifiedLacking adequate reason
undue · gratuitous · excessive · disproportionate · arbitrary · baseless · groundless · unfounded · unprovoked · uncalled-for
victimization
Being made to suffer
- wrongfulWithout legal right
- mistreatmentCruel or harmful behavior
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
discrimination · oppression · prejudice · scapegoating · blame · accusation · condemnation · punishment · suffering · hardship
mercy
Compassion toward offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
reprieve · absolution · compassion · kindness · favor · blessing · amnesty · leniency · indulgence · benevolence
windfall
Unanticipated lucky gain
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- luckChance affecting outcomes
- fortuneWealth or destiny
privilege · advantage · benefit · credit · praise · recognition · accolade · honor · reputation · wealth
- unfairnessunfair, unjust, biased, unequal, inequitable
- hypehype, buzz, spin, hype train, overhyped
- undeserved giftBenefit without earning it
- undeserved acclaimPraise given without justification
- undeserving poorNeedy blamed for poverty