Definition

Not accepted or received with pleasure; not wanted or desired.

Example

His comments were unwelcome at the meeting.

Conversation

I heard some unwelcome news about the party this weekend.

Oh no, what happened?

They decided to invite someone we both find a bit unwelcome.

That's disappointing! I guess we can just avoid them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unwelcome → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "welcome" (from Old English *wilcuma*, meaning a person who is pleasing or agreeable). The word "unwelcome" means not pleasing or agreeable, indicating that someone or something is not received with pleasure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with someone who is 'pleasing' ('welcome') — that's why unwelcome means not pleasing.

Visually Confused Words