uncalled-for

[ uhn-kawld-fawr ]

adjective

1. not called for; not required; superfluous; unwanted.
2. unwarranted; unjustified; improper:

   an uncalled-for criticism.

uncalled-for

/ ˌʌnˈkɔːldfɔː /

adjective

1. unnecessary or unwarranted

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncalled-for¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Idioms and Phrases

Not justified, undeserved, as in That rude remark was uncalled for . [Early 1800s] Also see call for , def. 3.

Example Sentences

A tip is "an uncalled for and spontaneous payment offered by a customer,” according to the government, whereas a service charge is "an amount added to the customer’s bill before it is presented”.

From BBC

“It’s uncalled for and something needs to be done, whether it’s them checking their fans or this league checking. There’s no time for it anymore,” she added.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is completely uncalled for."

From BBC

“It was brutal, it was uncalled for, it was unjustified,” Gage said, adding that he intended to file a governmental claim against the city, the precursor to a lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

They said in interviews that such a reaction was uncalled for since Trump had a fair trial by jury and has the right to appeal.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• confused
• erroneous
• foolish
• misplaced
• mistaken
• unreasonable
• unwarranted
• unwise