undesirable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​de·​sir·​able ˌən-di-ˈzī-rə-bəl How to pronounce undesirable (audio)
: not desirable : unwanted
undesirable side effects
undesirability noun
undesirableness noun
undesirably 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
All of these elements work in concert to fashion a lifestyle that makes leaving the complex simply undesirable. Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 While the projects have been pitched as part of an Appalachian reboot, some residents attacked them as more of the same — undesirable industries courted in the name of job creation, like the prisons that dot the mountains of Kentucky, or coal mining itself. Ben Paviour, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
Because underground resistance fighters were considered enemies of the state by the communist Polish regime, Pilecki’s surviving family members were treated as undesirables. Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025 According to a study by Amerisleep, the list of undesirables includes bacteria, body fluids, dead skin cells and dust mites, all of which can harm your health, not to mention your peace of mind. Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undesirable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1667, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undesirable was in 1667

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undesirable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undesirable. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on undesirable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!