unforced

adjective

un·​forced ˌən-ˈfȯrst How to pronounce unforced (audio)
Synonyms of unforcednext
: not forced: such as
a
: done or produced naturally or with minimal effort
a genuine, unforced smile
His writing has a natural, unforced style.
b
: caused by one's own poor play, performance, etc.
an unforced error in tennis

Synonyms of unforced

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Examples of unforced in a Sentence

the participation of the people on the project must be unforced, or it really isn't a volunteer effort
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.
Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a painful performance that ended mere minutes before midnight. — Stephen Whyno, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 James’ melodies seem to materialize and unspool, an unforced reclamation of the mystery that once permeated his writing. — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026 Maybe there could have been something there, in the unforced affection between the two stars. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 But the timing of the latest duties, occurring little more than two months before the midterm elections, has some Republicans viewing the trade spat as an unforced error that could turn off voters in the states most reliant on Canadian trade. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unforced

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforced was in 1605

Rhymes for unforced

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Browse Nearby Words

unfooted
unforced
unforced error
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Cite this Entry

“Unforced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforced. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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