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.
Unsolicited advice in those circumstances "may be interpreted as less sincere, and thus less effective," the study authors wrote.
From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2024
Unsolicited, Metcalf offered the same opinion: “I just felt like the Rams just played harder than us. Their defense played harder than our offense. And they reaped the benefits from it.”
From Seattle Times • Sep. 10, 2023
Unsolicited advice can also negatively affect your relationship with the person to whom you’re offering it, because it seems intrusive and personal.
From Washington Post • Jan. 2, 2022
Unsolicited online content is commonly known as spam.
From Reuters • Oct. 28, 2021
Unsolicited, he pressed this matter upon her with deep and lively interest.
From The Life of Trust: Being a Narrative of the Lord's Dealings With George Müller by Wayland, H. L. (Heman Lincoln)
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.
