Unsought: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

unsought

 

[ ʌnˈsɔːt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

unwanted items

Unsought refers to something that has not been actively sought after or pursued. It implies a lack of desire or an absence of intention to obtain or achieve something. This term can be used to describe items, offers, or opportunities that come without request or solicitation. In many cases, unsought things may be considered as unwanted or unrequested by the recipient. The concept can also encompass knowledge or advice that someone hasn’t asked for but receives anyway.

Synonyms

indirect, uninvited, unrequested, unwanted

Examples of usage

  • He received unsought advice from his colleagues.
  • The unsought gifts piled up at the event.
  • Unsought opinions can often lead to confusion.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsought" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não procurado

🇮🇳 अन्यथा

🇩🇪 unverlangt

🇮🇩 tidak dicari

🇺🇦 незапитуваний

🇵🇱 nieposzukiwany

🇯🇵 求められていない

🇫🇷 non recherché

🇪🇸 no solicitado

🇹🇷 istenmeyen

🇰🇷 요청되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مطلوب

🇨🇿 nevyžádaný

🇸🇰 nevyžadovaný

🇨🇳 未被要求的

🇸🇮 neposrečen

🇮🇸 óskast

🇰🇿 іздеу жүрмеген

🇬🇪 არაკეთილმოსურნე

🇦🇿 axtarılmayan

🇲🇽 no solicitado

Word origin

The term unsought is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle 'sought', which is the past form of the verb 'seek'. 'Seek' has its origins in Old English 'sēcan', which means 'to seek or to look for'. The evolution of the term reflects a broader concept in English where the prefix 'un-' negates the associated term. Unsought has appeared in English language contexts since the early 16th century, often used in literature and discussions surrounding pursuit and desire. Its usage continues in modern contexts, particularly in legal and philosophical discussions when addressing items or outcomes that are not actively desired.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,098 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.