unsolicited

Imagine you're enjoying a quiet afternoon when someone starts giving you advice you didn't ask for. That's what this word means. It describes something offered, sent, or said without being requested first. Think of junk mail in your mailbox or advice that comes before you ask for it. It is often used for things that are unwanted, but it can also describe something helpful that was offered on its own. You might get unsolicited advice from a friend, or an unsolicited email trying to sell you something.

The word "unsolicited" describes something that is offered, given, sent, or said without being requested. It is formed from the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") and "solicited," meaning "asked for." At its core, the word points to a simple idea: no one asked for it first.

You will often see "unsolicited" in situations involving communication. Common examples include unsolicited commercial email, often called spam, unsolicited sales calls, and unsolicited opinions. In each case, the message, offer, or comment comes without the other person asking for it.

However, "unsolicited" is not always negative. A kind neighbor might offer unsolicited help with heavy groceries. You did not ask, but the help may still be welcome. Even so, the word is often used in negative settings, especially in business or legal contexts, where it can suggest that something feels intrusive or unwelcome.

Think of it this way: if you ask for a recommendation, the advice is solicited. If someone gives it out of the blue, it is unsolicited. The key difference is whether the message, help, or opinion was invited. So if something arrives without a request from you first, this word is often the right one.