unforced

adjective

un·​forced ˌən-ˈfȯrst How to pronounce unforced (audio)
: 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

Examples of unforced in a Sentence

the participation of the people on the project must be unforced, or it really isn't a volunteer effort
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.
Gauff, ranked No. 2 in the world, had a total of 29 unforced errors and nine double-faults. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 The 23-year-old exhibited multiple unforced errors from advantageous positions. Leon Imber, New York Times, 22 June 2025 In the French Open final between Sinner and Alcaraz, hailed as one of the greatest matches of all time, both players hit more unforced errors than winners. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 16 June 2025 Overcoming four late unforced errors, a kill by Pearce got the Minutemen within a game. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unforced

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforced was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unforced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforced. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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!