unwanted
Americanadjective
adjective
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.
Berenger won’t be able to get out of this jam, though deflecting the unwanted is one of his specialties.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
“The report is an unwanted welcome gift for Kevin Warsh, who is expected to take over as Fed chair this week and has recently advocated for lowering interest rates,” wrote Barron’s Fed reporter Nicole Goodkind.
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
Some employers, wanting to avoid the time, expense and headaches of unwanted publicity and litigation, ask: “Can we just make this go away?”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
Most seniors say they any want to age in place, but difficulty handling bills can lead to late fees, canceled insurance policies and problems with credit, and accelerate an unwanted move to assisted living.
From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026
It had metal bars covering it, of a size that would have kept any unwanted giants at a respectable distance.
From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman
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.
