undesirable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​de·​sir·​able ˌən-di-ˈzī-rə-bəl 

: not desirable : unwanted

undesirable side effects

undesirability

ˌən-di-ˌzī-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

undesirableness

ˌən-di-ˈzī-rə-bəl-nəs 

noun

undesirably

ˌən-di-ˈzī-rə-blē 

adverb

undesirable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is undesirable

Examples of undesirable in a Sentence

Adjective

The drug has some undesirable side effects.

This may have undesirable consequences.

Frankly, it's an undesirable and unpleasant job.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The restoration of Queen Liliuokalani to her throne is undesirable, if not impossible, and unless actively supported by the United States would be accompanied by serious disaster and the disorganization of all business interests. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026

The challenge is to redirect our energy from total avoidance of undesirable impacts to mitigation of negative impacts. — Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Noun

And so our ward, New Hyde, becomes a sort of metaphor for all the ways in which society disappears its undesirables. — John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026

The undesirables who entered our country illegally, then committed some crime, were defended by protests against federal law enforcement. — Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1667, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for undesirable

• desirable

Kids Definition

undesirable

adjective

un·​de·​sir·​able

ˌən-di-ˈzī-rə-bəl

: not desirable : unwanted

undesirability

-ˌzī-rə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

undesirable noun

undesirableness

-ˈzī-rə-bəl-nəs

noun

undesirably

-blē

adverb