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Synonyms

unwanted

American  
[uhn-won-tid, ‐-wawn‐] / ʌnˈwɒn tɪd, ‐ˈwɔn‐ /

adjective

  1. not desired or needed; not wanted.

    My absence generated some unwanted attention.
unwanted British  
/ ʌnˈwɒntɪd /

adjective

  1. not wanted or desired

    an unwanted pregnancy
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unwanted

First recorded in 1695–1700; un- 1 ( def. ) + want ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the days since the accusation became public, other women have come forward with allegations of misconduct, including claims of unwanted touching and inappropriate behavior, according to CNN and other outlets.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

The surface atoms are arranged in a uniform and highly ordered way, and unwanted impurities are greatly reduced.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Nike has tried to sell off a surplus of unwanted casual sneakers and make its e-commerce site a destination for more premium fare.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 29, 2026

Disruptions caused by the Iran war could increase unwanted inventory among full-priced retailers, and off-price chains can buy it at cheaper prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

A pile of paper napkins, a Styrofoam plate full of unwanted baked beans, a banana peel, an oozing milk carton.

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.