What does "wanted" mean?

1. (sought by police) used to describe a person that the police are trying to find and catch. 2. (desired or needed) something that people wish for or that is needed in a certain place.

wanted

adj.

US //ˈwɔntɪd// UK //wˈɒntɪd// want·ed

1 sought by police (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Law

used to describe a person that the police are trying to find and catch.

sought for questioning or arrest by law enforcement authorities in connection with a crime.

Example

The man was wanted by the police for a robbery he committed last year.

Example

The suspect remained wanted for several months before being apprehended by federal agents at a remote border crossing.
- sought
- hunted
2 desired or needed (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

something that people wish for or that is needed in a certain place.

desired, sought after, or required in a specific context or environment.

Example

His help was much wanted during the busy holiday season.

Example

The new community centre provided much-wanted services to the local youth, filling a gap that had existed for decades.
- unwanted
- rejected

Origin

From want + -ed.