What does unwelcome mean?
Unwelcome describes something that is not wanted, invited, or received with pleasure. The word is especially useful for people, events, developments, and forms of attention that intrude on someone or cause concern. Saying that someone is unwelcome implies more than simply being unnecessary: it suggests that their presence is actively disliked or considered inappropriate. Similarly, unwelcome news describes information that is unwelcome because of what it reveals, not merely because it was unexpected. The word often has a formal or slightly stern tone, but it is fully natural in everyday speech and writing. It can express social rejection, as in an unwelcome visitor, or describe adverse attention or consequences, as in unwelcome scrutiny. Its negative prefix makes the relationship with welcome especially clear: something unwelcome is the opposite of something invited, appreciated, or gladly accepted.
adjectiveNot wanted, invited, or received with pleasure; especially of a person, event, or development regarded as an unwelcome intrusion or source of difficulty.
- Not wanted, invited, or accepted; regarded with dislike or disapproval.
- Causing difficulty, discomfort, or adverse consequences; especially of news, developments, or attention.
"The proposal met with an unwelcome reception."
"An unwelcome visitor interrupted the meeting."
"The company received unwelcome news about the decline in demand."
Add the prefix un- to welcome and a social invitation becomes a warning: something is not merely unwanted, but unwelcome.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How unwelcome is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. It can be emotionally stronger than unwanted, particularly when describing a person, intrusion, or development that is actively disliked. There is no significant British–US difference.
Easily confused with unwelcome
Unwanted means not desired, whereas unwelcome more strongly suggests that something is actively disliked, distrusted, or received without welcome.