uncalled for
21
5.1
- idiom
:
injustificado
- The criticism she received was unfair and truly uncalled for.
- totally uncalled for
- really uncalled for
- completely uncalled for
Or I think third option, was it just creepy, weird, odd or uncalled for?
- Or I think third option, was it just creepy, weird, odd or uncalled for?
Examples
-
That's totally uncalled for, Catherine.
-
What he said and did was uncalled for, considering his business position.
Blog text (26) -
That was totally uncalled for.
-
Hey, that kind of language is uncalled for.
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I mean, that was completely uncalled for.
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That language is uncalled for.
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This is totally uncalled for.
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So far as I am concerned, this is wholly inappropriate and uncalled for.
Blog text (16) -
Completely uncalled for, and I'm embarrassed to be part of the student body after this stunt.
Blog text (18) -
That's completely uncalled for, Burgundy.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Not suitable for a particular time or purpose
354
3.7
Not right for a situation or event
31
7.0
Not having a good reason or official permission
31
7.7
Not needed and done for no good reason
19
4.8
Not having a good reason for something
15
6.7
Not suitable for a situation or for what people expect
1
6.2
Given to someone who does not want it
1
9.2
Cannot be shown to be right or fair
Not suitable for a person or situation
Antonyms
How Appropriate
Surface Forms
Morphology
uncalled + for
The phrase is analyzable as un- (negative) + 'called for' (i.e. 'called for' = warranted or required), so a learner who recognises the negation and the pattern 'call for' may infer the meaning 'not warranted'. However, 'called for' as 'appropriate/required' is itself a semi-idiomatic construction and the role of 'for' is not fully transparent to B1 learners, so the meaning is only partially predictable from the parts.
Etymology
Uncalled for may come from the idea of called for — that is, 'asked for' or needed. If nobody asked for something, it is unnecessary and unwelcome, so the phrase means 'not appropriate' or 'not needed'.