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.

Addressing staff via video link, the company's boss, Leslie Benzies, assured them there was a plan to get things back on track and said the negativity they'd seen was "uncalled for".

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

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

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2025

“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 • Jul. 30, 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

The comments upon my personal life were uncalled for and revealed a shocking lack of taste and decency.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

uncalled-for

Example Sentences

Related Words