Translation guide
The English word "unwarranted" means something is not justified, not deserved, or not based on good reason. This guide helps learners express this idea naturally in Japanese, depending on whether you're talking about criticism, assumptions, interference, or something else.
Expressing that an action, criticism, or feeling lacks proper justification or basis.
This is the most direct and common translation for "unwarranted" when referring to something unjust or unreasonable, like criticism, treatment, or demands. It's a formal adjective often used in written contexts.
His unwarranted criticism is unacceptable.
We cannot comply with unwarranted demands.
Literally "without basis," this is used for unwarranted claims, accusations, or fears that lack evidence. It's slightly more concrete than 不当な.
That's an unwarranted rumor.
I feel an unwarranted anxiety.
Means "without reason." It's similar to 根拠のない but more casual and can be used for personal feelings or actions that seem unmotivated.
I was subjected to unwarranted anger.
Literally "off the mark" or "misguided," this is used for complaints or criticisms that are unwarranted because they are misdirected or based on a misunderstanding.
An unwarranted complaint was filed.
Expressing that a benefit, praise, or punishment is not merited.
This idiomatic phrase means "having no recollection (of doing something to deserve this)." It's commonly used when you receive unwarranted blame or suspicion.
I received unwarranted blame.
I got an unwarranted bill.
Means "excessive" or "more than one deserves," often used for unwarranted praise or rewards. It carries a humble nuance.
Literally "not befitting one's status/ability," used for unwarranted honors or positions that are too good for the person.
Expressing that an action, especially intrusion or meddling, is not needed or justified.
Means "extra" or "unnecessary." It's the most natural way to say something is unwarranted interference or meddling in casual speech.
That's unwarranted meddling. (Mind your own business.)
Please don't make unwarranted remarks.
Literally "going too far," used for unwarranted actions that overstep one's bounds. Somewhat old-fashioned.
I apologize for my unwarranted behavior.
Expressing that a belief or conclusion is not supported by facts.
A noun/suru-verb meaning "jumping to an unwarranted conclusion." Very common in everyday speech.
That's your unwarranted assumption.
Means "assuming without proof" or "labeling unfairly." Often used when someone makes an unwarranted judgment about a person.
His unwarranted assumption is unfair.
A noun meaning "unfounded belief" or "assumption." It implies a subjective, often mistaken, conviction.
There is no single Japanese adjective that covers all uses of "unwarranted." Translating it as 保証されていない (not guaranteed) or 正当化されない (not justified) is usually unnatural. Choose the phrase that matches the specific context.
不当な emphasizes injustice or unreasonableness, often in formal contexts (不当な扱い, unwarranted treatment). 根拠のない emphasizes lack of evidence (根拠のない自信, unwarranted confidence). Use 不当な for actions against rules/norms, and 根拠のない for baseless claims or feelings.
I am humbled by your unwarranted praise.
I'm bewildered by the unwarranted honor.
An adjective meaning "presumptuous" or "unwarranted" when offering help or advice. It's often used to apologize for overstepping.
This may seem unwarranted, but let me say one thing.
That's nothing but an unwarranted belief.