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.
Approved for organic gardens, horticultural vinegar sprays have a higher acidity content than standard kitchen vinegar and can be used to eradicate all sorts of unwanted weeds. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 SwRI’s new toy for sCO₂ testing Their job is to control where and how quickly CO₂ enters the rock formation, prevent unwanted fluids moving around the well, and generally keep the reservoir behaving as intended. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Always bury the rotten fruit in the center of your compost pile to help mask the smell and deter unwanted animals. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 Newcomers Álvarez and Knight couldn’t be better in their newlywed roles, convincing in their giddy love scenes, their casual affections, their unwanted suspicions and, most of all, their terror at whatever is lurking in the air and in their souls. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 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

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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