unforced

adjective

un·​forced ˌən-ˈfȯrst 

: not forced: such as

a

: done or produced naturally or with minimal effort

a genuine, unforced smile

His writing has a natural, unforced style.

b

: caused by one's own poor play, performance, etc.

an unforced error in tennis

Synonyms

• freewill
• self-imposed
• uncoerced
• volitional
• voluntary
• volunteer
• willing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Taken together, these unforced errors have seriously undermined the image of extreme competence that these companies and their leaders fostered during their ascent. Christopher Mims, WSJ, 19 Nov. 2022

Campaign history is littered with unforced errors and missteps. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Nov. 2022

Silas stressed greater attention to detail from his squad pregame, with both his young guards and Houston's bigs holding culpability for the slew of unforced errors. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 15 Nov. 2022

Ott said cutting out unforced errors helped the team rally. Chris Bieri, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Nov. 2022

These unforced errors continued to dog the Democrats into the fall. Ted Widmer, WSJ, 5 Nov. 2022

But the Tigers held on for 29-27 win to tie the match at 1-1 behind five kills from Garnica-Sanchez and a handful of Horizon unforced errors. Terry Monahan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2022

UConn’s biggest problems on offense tend to be unforced turnovers and an inability to hit outside shots. Alexa Philippou, courant.com, 5 Feb. 2022

Izzo’s concern continues to be on two controllable mistakes — unforced turnovers and missed free throws — after beating Western Michigan on Friday. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 17 Nov. 2021

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Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above