unwelcome
Britishadjective
-
(of persons) not welcome
-
causing dissatisfaction or displeasure
Other Word Forms
Explanation
Things that are unwelcome are unpleasant or objectionable in some way. An unwelcome guest is one you didn't invite and you're not particularly happy to see. People are sometimes unwelcome, like your boring cousin who shows up unexpectedly for a long visit at the worst time. Things can also be unwelcome, like bad news or heckling from the audience during your stand-up comedy routine. Anything you don't wish for and don't appreciate can be described as unwelcome. Welcome has its roots in the Old English wilcuma, a friendly greeting and earlier "a welcome guest," from willa, "pleasure or choice," and cuma, "guest."
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 emergence of these faith-oriented candidates -- which she said happened organically -- "is not an unwelcome change."
From Barron's ● Jul. 12, 2026
"We understand this is unwelcome news, especially at a time when many households are facing pressure on everyday costs," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Many of these new faces view her as an unwelcome reminder of a past they’d prefer to forget.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
Investors face higher costs and the unwelcome prospect of fund closures as more digital-asset funds come to market.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
She reached across the table, but her fingers stopped short of Catelyn's, as if the touch might be unwelcome.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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.
