ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unwelcome

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ənˈwɛɫkəm// UK //ʌnwˈɛlkʌm// un·wel·come Archaic

adj. not wanted or not pleasant. You use this to describe things like bad news or people who are not invited.

adj. not wanted, pleasing, or welcome; causing a feeling of being unwanted or causing distress. Often used to describe abstract concepts like news, changes, or intrusions.


SIMPLE

The rain was an unwelcome surprise for the hikers.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's announcement of job cuts was unwelcome news for the employees just before the holidays.

COMPLEX

Despite the diplomat's efforts to remain neutral, his presence at the private meeting was clearly unwelcome to the local leaders who preferred to settle the matter internally.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English unwelcome, unwelcum; equivalent to un- + welcome.

Usage

Can be used both before a noun (attributive) and after a linking verb (predicative).

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