undesirable

[ uhn-di-zahyuhr-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not desirable or attractive; objectionable:

   undesirable qualities.

noun

1. a person or thing considered undesirable:

   a collection of malcontents and undesirables.

undesirable

/ ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbəl /

adjective

1. not desirable or pleasant; objectionable

noun

1. a person or thing that is considered undesirable

Derived Forms

• ˌundeˌsiraˈbility, noun
• ˌundeˈsirably, adverb

Other Words From

• unde·sira·bili·ty unde·sira·ble·ness noun
• unde·sira·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of undesirable¹

First recorded in 1660–70; un- ¹ + desirable

Example Sentences

Garcia Fons estimates the whole project would cost $80 million and capture 80 percent of the undesirable water before it reaches the border.

From Voice of San Diego

While the pay-to-play provision itself is not something founders avoid, its implications—that the company may have struggled to find ideal outside investors—are often undesirable.

From Fortune

Recommendations to maintain a safe distance and avoiding crowded spaces make polling stations undesirable, and more voters than ever are expected to opt for mail-in ballot.

From Quartz

There’s growing demand for AI in devices like smartphones, wearables, cars, and drones, where transmitting data to the cloud for processing is undesirable either for reasons of privacy or speed.

From Singularity Hub 

We had gone from a very undesirable investment to people showing up at the elevator in our building to meet with us unannounced because they wanted to pounce on the deal.

From Fortune

Self-realized masters can get stern and even appear angry if a disciple openly manifests some undesirable character trait.

From The Daily Beast

Moreover, corporal punishment has the undesirable quality that the more you use it, the less effective it becomes.

From The Daily Beast

The ladies score the leading roles while the men are left to portray quirky, comedic (and mostly undesirable) characters.

From The Daily Beast

But unlike the iPods, there was a way to make iPhones undesirable to thieves.

From The Daily Beast

However, eating certain types of carbs at certain times and in certain amounts can lead to some undesirable consequences.

From The Daily Beast

Undesirable inhabitants of the country are being sent away, especially the Japanese, who are more dangerous than the Chinese.

From Project Gutenberg

The tube should be dipped in warm water just before using: the use of glycerin or other lubricant is undesirable.

From Project Gutenberg

I became aware that your further presence in the house of Monsieur Le Pontois was—well—undesirable—that's all.

From Project Gutenberg

Their beauty attracts undesirable attention, and their ignorance makes them an easy prey.

From Project Gutenberg

It was thought undesirable to interview any of the children involved in recent happenings.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abominable
• inadmissible
• loathsome
• objectionable
• troublesome
• unsatisfactory
• unsavory
• unwanted
• unwelcome