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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.

See Examples For:

“Our focus is on making sure that people are safe from unwanted romantic advances,” a LinkedIn spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 19, 2026

He has no problem expressing his displeasure at being inconvenienced by his unwanted trainee or earthbound law enforcement officers.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 17, 2026

Reducing the need for those microwave connections could therefore address two challenges at once: the enormous hardware requirements of large quantum computers and the unwanted noise that cables can introduce into quantum systems.

From Science Daily Aug. 14, 2026

"It cannot be stressed enough that peace and quiet is a right, and it is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted solicitations," consumer advocacy group Que Choisir Ensemble, said in a statement.

From BBC Aug. 11, 2026

I felt like I’d been tossed out on the side of the road like a sack of unwanted kittens.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

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