unwelcome

USAGE SUMMARY

'unwelcome' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means not desired or not wanted, and is often used to describe a feeling or action that is not accepted or appreciated. Example: The new regulations were unwelcome news for the small business owners, who were already struggling to stay afloat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The growth of nationalism in the UK is unwelcome and destructive; properly endorsing our membership of the EU would do much to stem the tide of disaffection.

The Guardian

While the company, currently valued at almost $90bn, is used to battling threats to its reputation, having to defend its globally recognised brand on two fronts is an unwelcome novelty that the company could do without, according to experts.

The Guardian - Sport

The proposed changes were opposed by commercial rivals including Channel 4 and Channel 5, who argued it would set an "unwelcome precedent" that would "devalue" public service broadcasting.

The Guardian

She said it was a "painful and unwelcome experience".

The Guardian - Opinion

The case is proving to be an unwelcome spotlight on the workings of a Wall Street bank that prefers to keep a low profile.

The Guardian - Business

I know that price rises are always unwelcome, but we have taken the first step to show what can be done if rising costs are tackled head-on".

The Guardian - Money

AM Homes' short story Do You Hear What I Hear?, a chilling tale of an unwelcome phone call, was transformed into a stunning comic by Frazer Irving (Batman), and Dave Eggers wrote and drew his own comic, a tale of a lonely but impassioned bison, called Having Renewed My Fire.

The Guardian - Books

The Paris city council voted to green-light a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking to hold Fox News responsible for incorrectly reporting that there are "no-go zones" in Paris where non-Muslims are unwelcome and sharia law holds sway.

The Guardian

The increased scrutiny was something unfamiliar and almost unwelcome, but in time she has come to accept it as part of her life.

The Guardian - Sport

In already stretched departments their behaviour is an unwelcome and potentially dangerous distraction from the care of people who might reasonably be described as more deserving," said Mann. "Patients who are acutely intoxicated can become abusive, argumentative, obnoxious or physically abusive.

The Guardian

Indeed, the sight of Kondogbia and Andrea Raggi swapping shirts with Pirlo and Carlos Tevez at the interval had been unwelcome, suggesting reverence where they should have been seeking to unsettle their visitors.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unwelcome" to describe situations, feelings, or items that are not appreciated or wanted, ensuring the context clearly indicates who or what finds it unwelcome.

Common error

Avoid using "unwelcome" as a verb. It's primarily an adjective. Instead of saying "They unwelcome the changes," use "They find the changes unwelcome" or "They do not welcome the changes".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unwelcome" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that they are not wanted, appreciated, or well-received. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwelcome" functions as an adjective denoting something not wanted or appreciated. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English, supported by numerous examples. Its communicative purpose is to express disapproval or rejection across a neutral register. Common errors involve its misuse as a verb. Key takeaways include using it to clearly convey the lack of acceptance or appreciation for a given situation, person, or thing. Authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ this term, solidifying its place in standard English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesired

Focuses on the lack of desire for something.

uninvited

Emphasizes the lack of invitation or permission.

unwished for

Highlights that something was not wished or hoped for.

unacceptable

Indicates that something cannot be tolerated or approved.

rejected

Implies a more active refusal or dismissal.

disagreeable

Refers to something unpleasant or offensive.

unpleasant

A general term for something not enjoyable or agreeable.

objectionable

Suggests that something is offensive or causes disapproval.

offensive

Emphasizes the causing of hurt feelings, anger, or resentment.

inadmissible

Indicates that something is not allowed or acceptable, particularly in a formal or legal context.

FAQs

How can I use "unwelcome" in a sentence?

You can use "unwelcome" to describe something that is not wanted or appreciated, such as, "The new regulations were an "unwelcome" surprise," or "His presence was "unwelcome" at the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "unwelcome"?

You can use alternatives like "undesired", "uninvited", or "unpleasant", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "unwelcome" and "unwanted"?

"Unwelcome" often implies a reception that is not friendly or appreciated, while "unwanted" simply means not desired. Something can be unwanted without necessarily being actively made to feel "unwelcome".

Can "unwelcome" be used for both people and things?

Yes, "unwelcome" can be used to describe both people and things. For example, "The stranger was "unwelcome" in the town", or "The news of the tax increase was "unwelcome"".