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
Companies often settle workplace allegations to avoid litigation, reputational damage and unwanted publicity, even if claims lack merit.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
Like their audio counterparts, optical amplifiers can introduce unwanted noise when boosting signals.
From Science Daily • May 5, 2026
Both of these examples suggest that extremely effective control of many kinds of unwanted vegetation might be achieved by paying more attention to the role of plant-eating insects.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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.
