unasked

American  

[uhn-askt, -ahskt] / ʌnˈæskt, -ˈɑskt /

adjective

1. not asked.

   an unasked question.

2. not asked for.

   unasked advice.

   Synonyms:

   unsolicited

3. uninvited.

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unasked British  

/ ʌnˈɑːskt /

adjective

1. not requested or demanded

2. not invited

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Etymology

Origin of unasked

Middle English word dating back to 1225–75; see origin at un- ¹, ask, -ed ²

Explanation

Unasked is a word that can either describe something that you didn't ask for (and possibly didn't want), or a question that is not spoken out loud. When you haven't requested something but get it anyway, it's unasked for, like the unasked for cold you woke up with on your birthday, or the unasked for advice your sister is always giving you. An unasked question is usually one that is implied: "I answered her unasked question by sadly shaking my head." In the 13th century, this adjective instead meant "uninvited."

Example Sentences

Unasked, as if under a fierce spell of candor, someone volunteers the details.

From Slate • Sep. 16, 2013

Unasked in these optimistic forecasts is the question what kind of a world will survive the rapacious onslaught.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2012

Unasked and unequivocally, one out of three offered physical surrender on sight.

From Time Magazine Archive

Unasked, the medium "received" and passed on to Doyle a "spirit-message": "Tell him not to read Leigh Hunt's book."

From Time Magazine Archive

Unasked, a Christmas-box to gain, Sweeps, lamplighters, and postmen come; Unasked—too often to remain— The wife's mammas of most men come.

From Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, January 16, 1892 by Various