# unsolicited

/ˌənsəˈɫɪsɪtɪd/ (US) · /ʌnsəlˈɪsɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsolicited
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not asked for and often not wanted. You use this to describe things like advice or emails that arrive when you did not request them.

For teachers: given or supplied without being requested or invited. Often carries a negative connotation of being intrusive or unwelcome.

## Examples

- I keep getting unsolicited emails from companies I don't know.
- She found it difficult to stay polite when her neighbors offered unsolicited advice on how to raise her children.
- The legal department warned that accepting unsolicited manuscripts could expose the publishing house to future claims of intellectual property theft if a similar story were later developed internally.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently collocates with 'advice', 'feedback', or 'commercial email'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
