Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking justification or authorization: Not supported by valid reasons, evidence, or proper authority; unjustified.
   • Without a basis in reason or fact: Not founded on logical reasoning or factual evidence; groundless.

Usage

The adjective "unwarranted" describes an action, claim, feeling, or restriction that is not justified, authorized, or supported by facts. It is often used in formal or critical contexts to indicate that something is excessive or unreasonable.

Examples

• As an adjective:
  • The government's unwarranted intrusion into private life caused public outrage. (Here, "unwarranted" means the intrusion was not justified or authorized.)
  • Her unwarranted criticism of his work was based on jealousy, not facts. (This use indicates the criticism was without a reasonable basis.)
  • The judge dismissed the case due to unwarranted allegations. (This means the allegations lacked a factual foundation.)

Advanced Usage

• "unwarranted assumption": An assumption made without sufficient evidence.
  • His entire argument was built on an unwarranted assumption about their motives.
• "unwarranted risk": A risk taken without proper justification or necessity.
  • The surgeon refused to perform the procedure, calling it an unwarranted risk to the patient's health.

Variants and Related Words

• Unwarrantable (adj): (More formal) Not able to be justified or authorized.
  • His unwarrantable behavior led to his dismissal.
• Unwarrantedly (adv): In an unwarranted manner.
  • She was unwarrantedly confident about the outcome.

Synonyms

• Unjustified: Not shown to be right or reasonable.
• Groundless: Without foundation or good reason.
• Baseless: Having no basis in fact.
• Unfounded: Having no foundation or basis in fact.

Antonyms

• Justified: Having, done for, or marked by a good or legitimate reason.
• Warranted: Justified or authorized.
• Reasonable: Based on good sense.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "unwarranted interference": Unjustified involvement in the affairs of others.
  • The company accused the regulator of unwarranted interference in its operations.
• "unwarranted fear": Fear that is not based on any real danger or threat.
  • The public's unwarranted fear of the new technology slowed its adoption.

Adjective

1. lacking justification or authorization
   • desire for undue private profit
   • unwarranted limitations of personal freedom
2. without a basis in reason or fact
   • baseless gossip
   • the allegations proved groundless
   • idle fears
   • unfounded suspicions
   • unwarranted jealousy
3. incapable of being justified or explained