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Unwelcome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unwelcome

[ʌnˈwɛlkəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not wanted or appreciated; not welcome.

Synonyms

inconvenient, undesired, unwanted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwelcome

Used when something is not welcome, similar to 'unwelcome'.

  • His return was unwelcome after the last incident.
  • The unwelcome visitor was asked to leave immediately.
unwanted

Used when something or someone is not wanted or needed, often implying complete rejection.

  • They returned the unwanted gift to the store.
  • There are many unwanted pets in the shelter.
undesired

Used when something is not wanted, often referring to effects or outcomes.

  • The medication had some undesired side effects.
  • Their actions led to some undesired consequences.
inconvenient

Used when something is not suitable or causes trouble, but not offensive in nature.

  • The meeting time is inconvenient for most attendees.
  • It was inconvenient to get to the market due to road construction.

Examples of usage

  • It was an unwelcome surprise to see him at the party.
  • She felt unwelcome in the new neighborhood.
  • The unwelcome news dampened their spirits.
  • His unwelcome comments made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The unwelcome guest overstayed his welcome.
Context #2 | Adjective

reception

Not giving pleasure or satisfaction; disagreeable.

Synonyms

disagreeable, unfavorable, unpleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwelcome

Again used to describe something or someone that is not wanted or is received negatively, similar to the first 'unwelcome'.

  • His criticism was unwelcome
  • The unwanted advice felt very unwelcome
unpleasant

Describes experiences, sensations, or situations that cause discomfort or annoyance, often on a more immediate and direct level.

  • The smell was extremely unpleasant
  • It was an unpleasant conversation
disagreeable

Describes something or someone that causes discomfort, irritation, or unhappiness, often due to personality or behavior.

  • She found him to be a very disagreeable person
  • The weather was disagreeable today
unfavorable

Refers to something that is not beneficial or advantageous, often related to opinions, conditions, or outcomes.

  • The company received unfavorable reviews
  • The weather conditions were unfavorable for the hike

Examples of usage

  • The unwelcome weather ruined our plans.
  • The unwelcome noise disturbed her concentration.
  • His unwelcome behavior made the situation worse.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of being unwelcome can lead to emotional responses such as anxiety and lowered self-esteem.
  • Social rejection may trigger a reaction similar to physical pain in the brain, indicating the deep impact of feeling unwelcome.

Sociology

  • In social contexts, feeling unwelcome can be experienced in many environments, from schools to workplaces, affecting group dynamics.
  • Cultural backgrounds can influence perceptions of welcome, with some communities being more open than others.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray characters who feel unwelcome as a central theme, highlighting the struggle for acceptance and belonging.
  • Songs that evoke feelings of being unwelcome can resonate with listeners, as they often share similar experiences.

Literature

  • Classic literature frequently explores themes of being unwelcome, reflecting societal norms and individual struggles.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen illustrate characters feeling unwelcome in various social circles, emphasizing their emotional journeys.

Origin of 'unwelcome'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unwelcome' combines the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', with 'welcome', which originally comes from Old English 'wilcuma', meaning a person who is desired.
  • The use of 'unwelcome' can be traced back to the 14th century, highlighting its long-standing presence in the English language.

The word 'unwelcome' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'welcome' meaning 'pleasing or inviting'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to convey the idea of something that is not wanted or appreciated. Over time, 'unwelcome' has become a common term to describe things that are undesirable or unpleasant.

See also: unwelcomed, unwelcomeness, unwelcoming, welcome, welcoming.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,763, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.