unrequited

American

[uhn-ri-kwahy-tid] / ˌʌn rɪˈkwaɪ tɪd /

adjective

not returned or reciprocated.

unrequited love.
not avenged or retaliated.

an unrequited wrong.
not repaid or satisfied.

unrequited British

/ ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd /

adjective

(of love, affection, etc) not reciprocated or returned

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unrequited

First recorded in 1535–45; un- ¹ + requite + -ed ²

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.

But Garland quickly returns when Platt pairs two songs that grapple in different ways with the situation of unrequited love.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a treat to watch the magnetic Groff trace an unlikable guy to his idealistic origins, Radcliffe’s face soften from judgmental colleague to wide-eyed hopeful and the wonderful Mendez peel back layers of unrequited love.

From Los Angeles Times

The unrequited love routine is a bit embarrassing and, for whoever they eventually manage to get in the head coach's chair, possibly a touch unsettling.

From BBC

It's used to heart-wrenching effect on their debut album, singing of the physical ache of unrequited love, over delicately strummed guitars and brushed drums.

From BBC

Released on Thursday, the collaboration yearns for unrequited love.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023