adj

unrequited

uhn-rih-KWEYE-tihd

Unrequited (adj) means of feelings, especially love, not returned by the person they are directed at. Example: “He suffered years of unrequited love for his best friend.”

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

Word forms

more unrequited comparative, most unrequited superlative

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He suffered years of _____ love for his best friend.

Etymology

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

Rhymes for unrequited

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unrequited” mean?

The word “unrequited” means of feelings, especially love, not returned by the person they are directed at. In plain terms, almost always used for love that is felt but not returned by the other person.

How do you pronounce “unrequited”?

“Unrequited” is pronounced uhn-rih-KWEYE-tihd (/ˌʌn.ɹɪˈkwaɪ.tɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “unrequited” in a sentence?

Here is “unrequited” used in a sentence: “He suffered years of unrequited love for his best friend.”

What part of speech is “unrequited”?

“Unrequited” is an adjective.