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non grata

American  
[non grah-tuh, grey-, nohn grah-tah] / nɒn ˈgrɑ tə, ˈgreɪ-, noʊn ˈgrɑ tɑ /

adjective

  1. not welcome.

    Reporters were non grata at the diplomatic reception.


Etymology

Origin of non grata

First recorded in 1925–30; abstracted from persona non grata

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.

She said her husband has become persona non grata — “canceled,” in her words — and that the allegations will continue to cast a shade over his career “even if he’s exonerated.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Iran's ambassador will not leave Lebanon despite being declared persona non grata and ordered to quit the country, an Iranian diplomatic source has told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

In a statement released on X on Tuesday, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said the government was expelling Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani and declared him persona non grata.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

All this made Mr. Amodei persona non grata in the Trump administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

“I am become persona non grata in that quarter. I am no wise welcome in the stateroom imperial.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson