adj

unrequited

uhn-rih-KWEYE-tihd

adj

Of feelings, especially love, not returned by the person they are directed at.

"He suffered years of unrequited love for his best friend."

"The novel is a tragic tale of unrequited affection."

How to Use Unrequited

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAlmost always used for love that is felt but not returned by the other person.

Common pairings

unrequited love unrequited affection

more unrequited comparative, most unrequited superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

He suffered years of _____ love for his best friend.

From un- ("not") plus requited, from requite, "to repay or return in kind."

cited united edited suited excited limited invited visited spirited credited reunited unlimited