unwanted

Unwanted is an adjective describing something that is not wanted: an invitation, gift, piece of advice, message, result, or complication that the speaker does not want or has not consented to. It often implies that the thing is intrusive, inconvenient, or contrary to the recipient's wishes, but it does not necessarily accuse anyone of wrongdoing. For example, a website may offer controls against unwanted messages, while a patient may report unwanted side effects. The word can be mildly formal or technical, yet it is common in everyday English in both British and American usage. In some contexts, undesired sounds more neutral, while unwelcome places greater emphasis on a lack of welcome; unwanted remains the broad, standard choice. Because it may refer to anything from a visitor to a pregnancy, its force depends strongly on context.

Not wanted, desired, requested, or welcome by someone. It may describe anything from an unsolicited message or gift to an unwelcome complication or result.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does unwanted come from?

The adjective unwanted was formed by adding the negative prefix un- to wanted, so it literally means “not wanted.” The older word want comes from Old English wantic, meaning “to lack” or “be in want,” and later acquired the sense “to desire.” Related forms include wanting, meaning “desiring or wishing,” and wanter, meaning “one who wants something.”

How unwanted is actually used

Unwanted is neutral to mildly negative in register and is common in both British and American English. It often implies that something is intrusive, inconvenient, or contrary to someone's wishes without necessarily implying deliberate misconduct.

Easily confused with unwanted

What's another word for unwanted?

Words and phrases paired with unwanted

What's the opposite of unwanted?

Rhymes with unwanted