Unsolicited: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsolicited

 

[ ʌnˈsəˈlɪsɪtɪd ]

Adjective
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?

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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?

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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

Translations of the word "unsolicited" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não solicitado

🇮🇳 अवांछित

🇩🇪 unerbeten

🇮🇩 tidak diminta

🇺🇦 непроханий

🇵🇱 nieproszony

🇯🇵 求められていない

🇫🇷 non sollicité

🇪🇸 no solicitado

🇹🇷 istenmeyen

🇰🇷 요청되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مرغوب فيه

🇨🇿 nevyžádaný

🇸🇰 nevyžiadaný

🇨🇳 未经请求的

🇸🇮 nezaželen

🇮🇸 óumbeðinn

🇰🇿 сұралмаған

🇬🇪 მოუთხოვნელი

🇦🇿 istənilməyən

🇲🇽 no solicitado

Etymology

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.