unwanted
Americanadjective
adjective
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.
"It cannot be stressed enough that peace and quiet is a right, and it is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted solicitations," consumer advocacy group Que Choisir Ensemble, said in a statement.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
Bonus: Giving away unwanted stuff directly to neighbors made me feel better than sending it to a landfill.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026
While effective at drawing attention, they may have the unwanted effect of making viewers uncomfortable by blurring the lines of reality — even if the AI use is disclosed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
The baby boom has led to an unwanted art boom, Scott Bessent is saving the yen, and weather apps are preventing you from having fun.
From Slate ● Aug. 8, 2026
Children are also inundated with sounds that enhance life or distract from it, dividing children’s already fragile attention and making it difficult for them to filter out unwanted noises and focus.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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.
