Definitions

uncalled-for

[uhn-kawld-fawr] / ʌnˈkɔldˌfɔr /

ADJECTIVE

unnecessary

Synonyms

WEAK

accidental avoidable fortuitous futile inappropriate inessential needless nonessential not required optional unessential uninvited unneeded unrequired unwanted unwarranted unwelcome useless

ADJECTIVE

unjustified

Synonyms

WEAK

gratuitous impertinent inappropriate indecorous unbecoming unmerited unnecessary unseemly

uncalled for

ADJECTIVE

malapropos

Synonyms

WEAK

inapposite inapt infelicitous inopportune tactless unseemly unsuitable untimely

ADJECTIVE

misguided

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confused erroneous foolish misplaced mistaken unreasonable unwarranted unwise

STRONG

bearded deceived misled stonewalled wrong

WEAK

bum-steer disinformed faked-out imprudent indiscreet inexpedient injudicious led up the garden path

Antonyms

STRONGEST

correct reasonable right sensible thoughtful true wise

WEAK

well-guided

ADJECTIVE

purposeless

Synonyms

WEAK

aimless designless desultory drifting empty feckless floundering fustian goalless good-for-nothing haphazard hit-or-miss indiscriminate irregular meaningless motiveless needless nonsensical pointless purportless random senseless undirected unhelpful unnecessary unplanned unprofitable unpurposed vacuous wanton worthless

Antonyms

WEAK

decided deliberate determined planned purposeful significant useful

ADJECTIVE

unjustified

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gratuitous insulting needless unwarranted

WEAK

iniquitous injudicious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

needed reasonable warranted

WEAK

justified

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lawyers for journalists involved in the litigation countered that the incidents that led to the injunction were uncalled for.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

“The problem with the President’s approach is that it is uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,” he shared.

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2025

He added that the furore over the sale was "uncalled for" and that he had not expected it to become national news.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

“I definitely think it was uncalled for, but I mean, it’s a rivalry game so I kind of expected it,” UNC guard RJ Davis said with a smile.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024

In other people’s presence I was, as formerly, deferential and quiet; any other line of conduct being uncalled for: it was only in the evening conferences I thus thwarted and afflicted him.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

uncalled-for

Example Sentences

Related Words