Unwanted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unwanted

[สŒnหˆwษ’ntษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or action

not desired or welcome; unwelcome

Synonyms

undesired, uninvited, unwelcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwanted

This word is used when something is not needed or is a nuisance. It applies to situations where something is not desired or is bothersome.

  • She received an unwanted phone call in the middle of the night.
  • There was a lot of unwanted junk in the garage.
undesired

This term is often used in more formal scenarios to indicate something that is not wanted. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

  • The side effects of the medication were undesired.
  • The project caused some undesired complications.
unwelcome

This word often has a negative connotation and is used when something or someone is not only unwanted but also causing discomfort or displeasure.

  • She felt unwelcome when she entered the room and everyone stopped talking.
  • His comments were unwelcome and offended many people.
uninvited

This word is most commonly used when referring to people who show up somewhere without being asked or given permission.

  • He felt awkward as an uninvited guest at the party.
  • An uninvited visitor showed up at her doorstep.

Examples of usage

  • The unwanted guest showed up uninvited.
  • She received unwanted attention from strangers on the street.
  • He felt unwanted and unappreciated in his own home.
Context #2 | Noun

person or thing

a person or thing that is not desired or needed

Synonyms

outcast, reject, undesirable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwanted

Used to describe something or someone not needed or not desired.

  • The phone was flooded with unwanted notifications
  • The dog at the shelter was unwanted by his previous owners
undesirable

Used to describe something or someone that is not wanted because it is considered harmful or unpleasant.

  • Living near the factory is undesirable because of the pollution
  • He has a reputation for being an undesirable neighbor
reject

Used to describe someone or something that has been refused acceptance, with a particularly negative tone.

  • The company considered the new product design a reject
  • She felt like a reject after being excluded from the team
outcast

Used to describe a person who has been rejected by society or a group.

  • He felt like an outcast at his new school
  • The family treated him like an outcast after the incident

Examples of usage

  • She felt like an unwanted in the group of friends.
  • The toy lying in the corner was an unwanted gift from a distant relative.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of being unwanted can lead to loneliness and low self-esteem in individuals.
  • In studies, children who feel unwanted may struggle with forming healthy relationships later in life.
  • The term is often used in psychological contexts to address issues of belonging and acceptance.

Pop Culture

  • The theme of unwanted feelings appears in many songs, such as 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston, which deals with separation.
  • Movies often explore the concept of characters feeling unwanted, such as in 'The Lion King', where Simba initially feels his father's legacy is a burden.
  • In literature, unwanted feelings are common motifs in romance novels, where unreciprocated love drives the plot.

Social Issues

  • The concept of unwanted births raises discussions about reproductive rights and personal choice.
  • Many charities focus on helping unwanted animals, highlighting the plight of pets in shelters looking for homes.
  • In various cultures, the stigma around unwanted children can affect family dynamics and societal roles.

Origin of 'unwanted'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not' in English, making 'unwanted' literally mean 'not wanted'.
  • The word 'want' comes from Old Norse 'vanta', meaning 'to be lacking' or 'to fall short'.
  • The usage of 'unwanted' dates back to the late 14th century, often describing feelings or objects.

The word 'unwanted' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'wanted', which comes from the Old English 'wunsc'. The concept of being unwanted has been present throughout history, often associated with rejection or exclusion. The feeling of being unwanted can have significant emotional impact on individuals, leading to social and psychological consequences.


See also: unwantedness, want, wanting.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,480, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.