undesirable
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌn.dɪˈzaɪə.ɹəɫ/
KK: /ʌnˈdɪzəˌraɪl/
adjective
Definition
Something that is not wanted or is considered objectionable.
Example
The neighborhood has become less appealing due to the presence of undesirable elements.
Conversation
I really don't like that new restaurant in town.
Why not? What makes it so undesirable?
The service was slow and the food wasn't great either.
Sounds like a place I should avoid then!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unwanted
unpleasant
unwelcome
Antonyms
desirable
pleasant
welcome
noun
Definition
A person or thing that is not wanted or is considered to be harmful or unpleasant.
Example
The city decided to remove the undesirables from the area to improve safety.
Conversation
Did you hear about that new guy at work?
Yeah, I heard some people call him an undesirable already.
That's pretty harsh! I mean, we shouldn’t judge someone so quickly.
Root Explanation
Undesirable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "desirable" (from Latin "desiderabilis", meaning worthy of desire). The word "undesirable" means not worthy of desire or something that is not wanted.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') wanting something that is 'worthy of desire' — that's why undesirable means something you do not want.
Visually Confused Words
indesirable
desirable
unrespirable
sunderable
unperspirable
unstirrable
unorderable
unestimable