unwelcome

adjective

un·​wel·​come ˌən-ˈwel-kəm 

: not wanted or welcome

unwelcome news

an unwelcome guest

Synonyms of unwelcome

• unpleasant
• harsh
• unpleasing
• bad
• nasty

Examples of unwelcome in a Sentence

the unwelcome news ruined what had been a fine day

Recent Examples on the Web

Gruinard’s contamination was now headline news, and just a few years later, the government sent a major taskforce to the Highlands to tackle the islands’ unwelcome visitors once and for all. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

More than a decade into Xi Jinping’s campaign to remove unwelcome figures from the Party, the military, and the business élite, the purges have circled back to the highest ranks. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Rugs, upholstered furniture, and antiques should be thoroughly cleaned or professionally treated to remove dirt, allergens, and any unwelcome critters. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

Every campaign faces an unwelcome test when controversy strikes. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unwelcome

• welcome