Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Unsolicited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📧
Add to dictionary

unsolicited

[ʌnˈsəˈlɪsɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

email marketing

Not asked for or requested; unsolicited emails are often considered spam and can be annoying for recipients.

Synonyms

uninvited, unwanted, unwelcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unsolicited

Used when referring to something that is provided or offered without being asked for, typically in professional or commercial settings.

  • He sent me an unsolicited job offer via email.
  • I received a lot of unsolicited advice during my presentation.
unwanted

Used when referring to something that is not desired or not needed, often carrying a negative connotation.

  • She felt like an unwanted guest in her own home.
  • The garden was overrun with unwanted weeds.
unwelcome

Used when something or someone is not welcomed or is actively resisted, emphasizing a sense of disapproval or hostility.

  • Her comments made me feel quite unwelcome.
  • Due to the recent events, he became an unwelcome presence in the office.
uninvited

Used when describing someone or something that appears or occurs without an invitation, often in social settings.

  • An uninvited guest showed up at the wedding.
  • He barged into the meeting uninvited.

Examples of usage

  • Please stop sending me these unsolicited emails.
  • I received an unsolicited offer in my inbox today.
Context #2 | Adjective

feedback

Given or done voluntarily and without request; unsolicited feedback can be valuable but should be delivered tactfully.

Synonyms

spontaneous, unprompted, voluntary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unsolicited

Use this word when referring to something that is given or done without being asked for, often with a slightly negative or annoying connotation.

  • He received an unsolicited email from a company trying to sell him something
  • The advice she gave was unsolicited and not particularly helpful
voluntary

This term is appropriate for describing actions that are done by choice or free will, without any pressure or obligation.

  • Participation in the survey is completely voluntary
  • He made a voluntary contribution to the charity
unprompted

Use 'unprompted' when an action or remark is made without any external provocation or prompting, often to highlight the genuine or independent nature of the action.

  • His apology was unprompted and sincere
  • She offered to help out of pure, unprompted kindness
spontaneous

This word is best used to describe actions or events that happen suddenly, without planning or prompting, usually in a positive or natural manner.

  • They decided to take a spontaneous trip to the beach
  • Her spontaneous laughter was infectious

Examples of usage

  • He provided unsolicited feedback on my presentation.
  • She always gives unsolicited advice to everyone.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Unsolicited advice is a common trope in movies, often leading to humorous or conflict-filled situations.
  • Many marketing campaigns use unsolicited emails, often called spam, which has influenced internet safety regulations.
  • In literature, characters often receive unsolicited opinions that challenge their decisions, highlighting themes of autonomy.

Legal

  • In legal terms, unsolicited communications can refer to marketing materials sent without consent, raising ethical concerns.
  • The concept is crucial in intellectual property law, where unsolicited submissions by creators can lead to disputes.
  • Some jurisdictions have specific laws that restrict unsolicited commercial communications to protect consumer privacy.

Psychology

  • Receiving unsolicited feedback can often lead to feelings of frustration or defensiveness, impacting interpersonal relationships.
  • Studies suggest that unsolicited advice may be perceived as a threat to autonomy, influencing how it's received.
  • Psychologists note that people are more likely to remember unsolicited opinions, as they often feel more intrusive than requested ones.

Communication

  • In communication studies, unsolicited messages can disrupt the flow of conversation and lead to misunderstandings.
  • Being mindful about unsolicited comments can improve social interactions, as individuals tend to appreciate asked-for input.
  • Unsolicited messages on social media often lead to discussions about boundaries and consent in digital communication.

Origin of 'unsolicited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'sollicitus', meaning anxious or troubled, with the prefix 'un-' indicating the absence of this quality.
  • The term 'solicit' originally meant to ask for something, so 'unsolicited' literally means not asked for.
  • It has been in use in English since the late 19th century, primarily in legal contexts.

The word unsolicited originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'solicitare', which means 'to disturb' or 'to provoke'. The prefix 'un-' was added to express the negation of the action, resulting in 'unsolicited' meaning 'not asked for'. Over time, the term has evolved to be commonly used in various contexts, especially in relation to unwanted emails or feedback.

See also: solicitation, soliciting, solicitor, solicitors, solicitude.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,161, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.