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

Outside of the uncalled-for bullying, Jessel's sarcastic delivery, her eccentric fashions and her seemingly connected status in the New York fashion scene have really cemented her as a star in the making.

From Salon

The caucus called April 18 for a censure on the grounds of “attempting to shame the Montana legislative body and using inappropriate and uncalled-for language during a floor debate.”

From Washington Times

A perhaps uncalled-for gush of pity came over my heart: I was moved to say—

From Literature

He acknowledged that Mr. Chipman was the subject of death threats, which he called “extremely unfortunate and uncalled-for.”

From New York Times

“It was unnecessary, uncalled-for, it wasn’t tied to our security or a vital interest. It was just a misadventure in a part of the world which we should have kept our nose out of.”

From New York Times

Related Words

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