unwanted

[uhn-won-tid, ‐-wawn‐]

adjective

1. not desired or needed; not wanted.

   My absence generated some unwanted attention.

unwanted

/ ʌnˈwɒntɪd /

adjective

1. not wanted or desired

   an unwanted pregnancy

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwanted¹

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

Example Sentences

Hu keeps camouflage clothing in his kit, but warns that dressing like a soldier could draw unwanted attention.

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A trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard Windsor had sent the women numerous "unwanted" gifts at the radio station's central London studios between March 2020 and August 2024.

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In that incident, the board’s investigation found multiple safety failures, including a severely eroded safety valve that allowed flammable gases to dangerously seep into unwanted areas.

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As part of the Pride in Place programme, the government says it wants to encourage councils to block unwanted new betting and vaping shops, along with "fake" barbers.

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"The reality is teens who were placed into these protections saw less sensitive content, experienced less unwanted contact, and spent less time on Instagram at night," said a spokesperson.

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Related Words

• rejected www.thesaurus.com
• undesirable