Undesired: meaning, definitions and examples

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undesired

 

[ ˌəndɪˈzaɪərd ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative context

Not desired or wanted; not wished for.

Synonyms

undesirable, unwanted, unwelcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undesired

Use this word when referring to something that wasn't wanted or hoped for. It is often used in formal or technical contexts.

  • The medication had several undesired side effects
  • Our team encountered an undesired outcome during the experiment
unwanted

Use this word when something is not desired or needed, often suggesting a burden or inconvenience.

  • She left the party early to avoid unwanted attention
  • The dog shelter takes in unwanted pets
unwelcome

This word is best used to describe something or someone that is not wanted and makes others feel uncomfortable or unhappy.

  • The sudden rain was an unwelcome surprise during the picnic
  • His comments were unwelcome at the meeting
undesirable

This word is appropriate when describing something that is not pleasing or is considered inacceptable. It can also have a negative connotation.

  • Living next to the factory has become increasingly undesirable
  • His behavior was deemed undesirable by the school's board

Examples of usage

  • It is important to address any undesired behavior in the workplace.
  • She received an undesired outcome from her actions.
Context #2 | Noun

in a scientific context

An undesired effect or result produced by a process or treatment.

Synonyms

unexpected, unforeseen, unintended.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undesired

This term is used to describe something that is not wanted or welcomed. It can often refer to unwelcome circumstances or results.

  • The results of the experiment were undesired
  • She had to deal with undesired feedback from the audience
unintended

This word describes outcomes or effects that were not planned or meant to happen. Often used in neutral or slightly negative contexts.

  • The unintended consequences of the new policy were troubling
  • His comment had unintended implications
unforeseen

This term is used to describe situations or events that could not have been predicted or anticipated. Usually refers to circumstances out of one's control.

  • There were unforeseen complications during the surgery
  • They faced unforeseen obstacles on their journey
unexpected

This word refers to something that happens without warning or something that is not anticipated. It can be either positive or negative.

  • The sudden storm was completely unexpected
  • He received an unexpected bonus at work

Examples of usage

  • The experiment had some undesired side effects.
  • The medication may cause some undesired symptoms.

Translations

Translations of the word "undesired" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indesejado

🇮🇳 अवांछित

🇩🇪 unerwünscht

🇮🇩 tidak diinginkan

🇺🇦 небажаний

🇵🇱 niepożądany

🇯🇵 望ましくない

🇫🇷 indésirable

🇪🇸 indeseado

🇹🇷 istenmeyen

🇰🇷 원하지 않는

🇸🇦 غير مرغوب فيه

🇨🇿 nežádoucí

🇸🇰 nežiaduci

🇨🇳 不受欢迎的

🇸🇮 nezaželen

🇮🇸 óæskilegt

🇰🇿 қажетсіз

🇬🇪 არასასურველი

🇦🇿 arzuolunmaz

🇲🇽 indeseado

Etymology

The word 'undesired' originated from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'desired.' It first appeared in the early 19th century. The concept of something being not wanted or wished for has been a common theme throughout history, leading to the creation and use of the word 'undesired' in various contexts.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,007, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.