unwanted

adjective

un·​want·​ed ˌən-ˈwän-təd How to pronounce unwanted (audio)
Synonyms of unwantednext
: not wanted or needed
attracting unwanted attention
giving away some unwanted possessions

Examples of unwanted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inuspheresis—colloquially known as blood washing—is the newest therapy available at Lanserhof Tegernsee, selected for its ability to filter a wide range of unwanted substances from your plasma. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 Sevilla and Valencia have been battling for this unwanted prize over the last few seasons. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Afghanistan was still a conservative society shaped by years of conflict, and students knew that certain questions could be misunderstood, draw unwanted attention or upset teachers and classmates. — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 As Jan races north along the canals, his unwanted passengers force him to confront a reality far removed from his own and to see life from a new perspective. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwanted

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwanted was in 1697

Rhymes for unwanted

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Browse Nearby Words

unwaning
unwanted
unware
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwanted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwanted. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unwanted

Nglish: Translation of unwanted for Spanish Speakers

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