persona non grata

American  

[per-soh-nah nohn grah-tah, per-soh-nuh non grah-tuh, grey-, grat-uh] / pɛrˈsoʊ nɑ noʊn ˈgrɑ tɑ, pərˈsoʊ nə nɒn ˈgrɑ tə, ˈgreɪ-, ˈgræt ə /

noun

Latin.

plural

personae non gratae

1. a person who is not welcome.

   He has become persona non grata in our club since his angry outburst.

2. a diplomatic representative unacceptable to an accrediting government.

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persona non grata British  

/ pɜːˈsəʊnə nɒn ˈɡrɑːtə /

noun

1. an unacceptable or unwelcome person

2. a diplomatic or consular officer who is not acceptable to the government or sovereign to whom he or she is accredited

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persona non grata Cultural  

1. A person who is no longer favored or welcome: “After my angry words with the manager, I am persona non grata at the video store.” From Latin, meaning “an unacceptable person.”

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Etymology

Origin of persona non grata

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

However, her direct and outspoken approach has also led to controversy, with enraged officials in Honduras once wanting to declare her persona non grata.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

One cabinet minister told BBC Newsnight that Mandelson was now "persona non grata".

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Japan lodged a protest over the since-removed social media post, and Takaichi's ruling party passed a resolution calling for the envoy to be declared persona non grata.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

Favored lackey one day, persona non grata the next.

From "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix