unwanted
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for unwanted, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not wanted or welcome.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use unwanted
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From un- (\"not\") plus wanted.
Full origin of unwanted →Frequently asked questions
What does “unwanted” mean?
The word “unwanted” means not wanted or welcome. In plain terms, something nobody asked for or nobody wants to keep.
How do you pronounce “unwanted”?
“Unwanted” is pronounced uhn-WON-tihd (/ʌnˈwɒntɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “unwanted” in a sentence?
Here is “unwanted” used in a sentence: “The shelter takes in unwanted pets.”
What part of speech is “unwanted”?
“Unwanted” is an adjective.
Is “unwanted” a common word?
“Unwanted” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "unwanted" and "unnecessary"?
"Unwanted" means something is not wanted or welcome, focusing on the lack of desire for it, while "unnecessary" means something is not needed, focusing on necessity rather than desire. An item can be necessary but still unwanted, or unnecessary yet still desired.
What are common collocations with "unwanted"?
"Unwanted attention," "unwanted guests," and "unwanted items" are frequent collocations, all describing something present that is not welcome. It is often paired with nouns describing people, objects, or effects that intrude without invitation.
Is "unwanted" the same as "unloved"?
No, "unwanted" simply means not desired or welcome in a given situation, while "unloved" specifically implies a lack of affection or care, often toward a person. Something can be unwanted without any emotional connotation, such as unwanted junk mail.