English Reference
adjective

wanted

adj.
US /ˈwɔntɪd/ UK /wˈɒntɪd/ want·ed

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The suspect remained wanted for several months before being apprehended by federal agents at a remote border crossing.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    His help was much wanted during the busy holiday season.

    In context

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

Usage wanted to see · wanted to know · wanted to understand


From want + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated