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.
Leaving it in piles around your yard can lead to unwanted reseeding and regrowth. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 Salted pasta water can be detrimental to soil and plant health, and even unsalted water can promote the growth of unwanted fungi. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026 That if you were deemed, as an enslaved person, if you were deemed troublesome or in some way unwanted, you would literally be sold down the river from the more northern states to the deeper south where you would potentially be treated even worse. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026 May Lead to Upset Stomach Magnesium supplements can sometimes cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 1 July 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

See All Rhymes for unwanted

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 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unwanted

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unwanted

Nglish: Translation of unwanted for Spanish Speakers

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