Unwelcome: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "unwelcome" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indesejado

🇮🇳 अनचाहा

🇩🇪 unerwünscht

🇮🇩 tidak diinginkan

🇺🇦 небажаний

🇵🇱 niepożądany

🇯🇵 歓迎されない

🇫🇷 indésirable

🇪🇸 indeseado

🇹🇷 istenmeyen

🇰🇷 환영받지 못하는

🇸🇦 غير مرغوب فيه

🇨🇿 nechtěný

🇸🇰 nežiaduci

🇨🇳 不受欢迎的

🇸🇮 nezaželen

🇮🇸 óvelkominn

🇰🇿 қалаусыз

🇬🇪 არასასურველი

🇦🇿 arzuolunmaz

🇲🇽 indeseado

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.