Pronunciation: [ʌndjˈuːtɪfə͡l] (IPA) 
The word undutiful is often misspelled as "undutifull" or "undutifulle." The correct spelling follows the common English convention of using -ful as a suffix to indicate "full of," as in "beautiful" or "helpful." The second "i" in "undutiful" is necessary to maintain the soft "yoo" sound of the "u" in the first syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, undutiful is pronounced as /ʌnˈdju:tɪf(ə)l/.
Undutiful is an adjective that refers to someone who fails to fulfill their moral, legal, or social obligations and duties. It is used to describe individuals who do not exhibit the expected loyalty, respect, or obedience that is usually shown towards family, authority figures, or societal norms.
This term embodies the notion of a disregard for duty, responsibility, or filial piety. Someone who is undutiful may exhibit behaviors that go against expected norms and customs, often failing to fulfill their obligations or failing to show the expected deference and respect towards those in authority. An undutiful person may display a lack of loyalty towards their parents, neglecting or disobeying their commands or wishes. They may also fail to fulfill their obligations towards their community, disregarding the conventions and cultural norms upheld by society.
By extension, undutiful can also refer to an object, idea, or action that does not conform to pre-established conventions or traditions. For example, an undutiful representation of a historical event may distort or ignore important facts in order to serve a specific purpose or agenda.
Ultimately, undutiful is a term that conveys a sense of failing to live up to the expected standards and responsibilities that are considered appropriate within a given social or moral framework.
Not obedient; wanting in respect.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "undutiful" originates from the combination of two root words: "un-" and "dutiful".
1. "Un-" is a common prefix in English that means "not" or "opposite of". It is derived from the Old English prefix "un-" or "on-" and can be traced back to the Germanic language family.
2. "Dutiful" is an adjective derived from the noun "duty". It comes from the Middle English word "dewte" or "deuty", which originally referred to a sense of obligation or responsibility. "Duty" itself comes from the Old French word "deu" or "deuwe", which meant "due" or "owed".
