unsolicited
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of unsolicited
Explanation
Something unsolicited was not asked for and possibly not wanted. Unsolicited calls and advice come whether we want them or not. One very common use of this word is in discussing "unsolicited advice" or feedback, which definitely has a negative spin. If someone is butting into your business, telling you what you should do, they're giving unsolicited advice. Junk mail is unsolicited. Phone calls trying to sell you something are unsolicited. Unsolicited seems negative, but it can be used positively. If you give compliments that are unsolicited, then you offer them spontaneously and honestly — that's something people like.
Vocabulary lists containing unsolicited
Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 7
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One of Us Is Lying
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Summer of the Mariposas
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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.
California online marketplace EBay said Tuesday its board rejected GameStop’s unsolicited $56-billion takeover offer.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
On Tuesday, eBay officially rebuffed GameStop’s unsolicited takeover proposal.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
EBay said Tuesday that its board rejected GameStop’s unsolicited $56 billion takeover proposal.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
One MP sent an unsolicited text, pointing out that the prime minister was introduced by a whip, those responsible for party discipline.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
At the Coalwood Women’s Club meeting on Thursday evening, the Great Six teachers met with Mom and Mrs. Van Dyke and gave them their unsolicited advice on the whole matter of us outlaw rocket boys.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
