Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

unwanted

American  
[uhn-won-tid, ‐-wawn‐] / ʌnˈwɒn tɪd, ‐ˈwɔn‐ /

adjective

  1. not desired or needed; not wanted.

    My absence generated some unwanted attention.
unwanted British  
/ ʌnˈwɒntɪd /

adjective

  1. not wanted or desired

    an unwanted pregnancy
"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 unwanted

First recorded in 1695–1700; un- 1 ( def. ) + want ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

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.

The company says this is designed to reduce the risk of grooming and unwanted contact on the platform.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In the days since the accusation became public, other women have come forward with allegations of misconduct, including claims of unwanted touching and inappropriate behavior, according to CNN and other outlets.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

The approach avoids selling the unwanted unit outright, which could generate a large taxable gain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The surface atoms are arranged in a uniform and highly ordered way, and unwanted impurities are greatly reduced.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

The music should act as a filter for unwanted noise and help create a relaxed, mentally alert state.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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.