unwished-for
/ n'wi tf :/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not desired or welcome; occurring or received without being wanted. This describes something that is not hoped for or asked for, and is often considered unpleasant or inconvenient.
Usage
- The adjective "unwished-for" is used to modify a noun, directly describing it as something unwanted. It is a formal or literary term.
- It typically precedes the noun it describes (e.g., ).
- It describes outcomes, events, consequences, or attention that one did not seek and would have preferred to avoid.
Examples
- The scandal brought a great deal of unwished-for publicity to the quiet author.
- They faced a number of unwished-for complications during the project.
- The inheritance, though large, came with unwished-for responsibilities and family disputes.
Advanced Usage
- "unwished-for consequence": A common collocation highlighting an undesirable result of an action or event.
- The new policy had the unwished-for consequence of reducing morale among staff.
Variants and Related Words
- Unwished (adj.): A less common variant with the same core meaning of "not desired."
- Unwelcome (adj.): A more common synonym meaning not gladly received.
- Unwanted (adj.): The most common and direct synonym, meaning not wanted.
- Undesired (adj.): Formal term meaning not wished for.
Synonyms
- Unwanted
- Unwelcome
- Undesired
- Uninvited (often for attention or presence)
- Unlooked-for (literary, similar meaning)
Antonyms
- Welcome
- Wanted
- Desired
- Sought-after
Adjective
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not welcome
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unwelcome publicity
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