Undesirability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undesirability

[หŒสŒndษชหŒzaษชษ™rษ™หˆbษชlษ™ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

lack of appeal

Undesirability refers to the quality or state of being unwanted, unpleasant, or unattractive. It is the opposite of desirability and often implies a negative connotation.

Synonyms

unattractiveness, undesirableness, unpleasantness.

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Word Description / Examples
undesirability

This is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe the quality of being not wanted or needed.

  • The undesirability of such behavior in a workplace cannot be overstated
unattractiveness

This term usually describes something or someone that lacks beauty or appeal, often in a physical or aesthetic sense.

  • The unattractiveness of the building deterred many potential buyers
undesirableness

Similar to 'undesirability,' but less commonly used, typically appears in formal or literary contexts.

  • The undesirableness of the proposal made it difficult to gain support from the board
unpleasantness

Commonly used to describe experiences, situations, or behaviors that cause discomfort, displeasure, or annoyance.

  • The unpleasantness of the situation was evident in the tension in the room

Examples of usage

  • The undesirability of the job was evident from the high turnover rate.
  • The neighborhood's crime rate contributes to the overall undesirability of living there.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, undesirability can affect a personโ€™s self-esteem and mental health, as feeling unwanted can lead to anxiety.
  • Social and environmental factors play a significant role in determining what is seen as undesirable, often shaped by culture and peer perceptions.
  • Research indicates that consistently encountering undesirable traits in oneself can lead to personal dissatisfaction and efforts to change.

Social Sciences

  • In urban studies, areas labeled as having high undesirability often suffer from socio-economic challenges and can become stigmatized.
  • Policy discussions frequently address the undesirability of certain behaviors, like crime, which governments strive to reduce through community programs.
  • Community perceptions of undesirability can influence everything from real estate prices to local government priorities.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often grapple with their own undesirability, leading to deep themes of rejection and social isolation.
  • Poets frequently explore the concept of undesirability in relationships, highlighting the pain and complexity of love unreturned.
  • The portrayal of undesirability in stories can serve as a critique of societal norms and values, forcing readers to reflect on their own perceptions.

Pop Culture

  • In film, protagonists often face undesirability in various forms, such as being the outcast or the misunderstood hero, adding depth to their arcs.
  • Popular songs often address themes of undesirability, resonating with audiences who have experienced similar feelings.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes capitalize on the idea of undesirability, showcasing contestants' struggles with acceptance and popularity.

Origin of 'undesirability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the combination of 'undesirable', which means not wanted. It adds the 'ity' suffix, turning it into a noun.
  • It has roots in the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'desirable', which suggests something attractive or wanted.
  • This term began usage in the English language in the late 19th century as it started appearing in discussions around societal preferences.

The word 'undesirability' originated in the late 19th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'desirability.' It has been used to describe the lack of appeal or attractiveness of something, often in the context of decision-making or evaluation.


See also: desirability, desirable, desired, desires, desiring, undesirable, undesired.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,631 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.