WordGarden.iounwanted
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnwˈɒntɪd/
US
- /ənˈwɔntɪd/
Meanings
Adjective
not wanted, welcomed, or desired
Beyond the definition
Something is unwanted when people do not want it, need it, or welcome it. It can describe physical things like junk mail, but it can also describe attention, advice, or behavior. An unwanted message is one you did not ask for. An unwanted advance is one that crosses a personal boundary. Sometimes the word does not mean something is bad by itself; it just means it is not welcome in that moment. A warm coat in summer, for example, may be perfectly useful, but still unwanted on a hot day.
The word "unwanted" describes something that is not desired, welcomed, or needed. It often carries a sense of rejection or lack of acceptance. While the term may seem simple, it can be used for small everyday annoyances as well as for deeply serious situations.
In daily life, you might receive unwanted mail, such as flyers or ads for products and services you have no interest in. But the word often goes beyond material things. An unwanted guest stays longer than welcome, an unwanted intrusion breaks into someone's privacy, and unwanted attention can be upsetting or even frightening.
In more serious contexts, "unwanted" is used for major life situations or violations of personal boundaries, such as an unwanted pregnancy, unwanted sexual advances, or unwanted physical contact. In these cases, the word is closely tied to consent and to a person's right to decide what is and is not acceptable in their own life.
Grammatically, the prefix "un-" reverses the meaning of "wanted." In simple terms, if something is not asked for, appreciated, needed, or welcome, it is unwanted.
Examples
- 1
Phone calls
We had to block several unwanted calls last night.
- 2
Computer cleanup
The software helps remove unwanted files from your computer.
- 3
Personal safety
She changed her route home to avoid unwanted attention.
- Phraseunwanted attention
attention from other people that makes you uncomfortable
- 4
Medicine
The medicine can cause unwanted side effects.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social rejection
His cold reply made her feel unwanted.
- Phrasefeel unwanted
feel that other people do not want you there
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unwantedadjective