unrequited

American  

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

adjective

1. not returned or reciprocated.

   unrequited love.

2. not avenged or retaliated.

   an unrequited wrong.

3. not repaid or satisfied.

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unrequited British  

/ ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of unrequited

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

Example Sentences

This is something far more daffy and useless: The brouhaha over unrequited affections between Seattle Mariners at the World Baseball Classic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

If you feel feelings and it’s unrequited, it feels like an attack on you or makes you feel unwanted.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

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 • Dec. 5, 2025

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 • Sep. 10, 2025

“I am not sure you are ready for stone. Clay is kind—it can do anything, though you do not know this yet. Stone can be stingy, ungenerous, like the unrequited lover.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson