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
Risk-averse professionals will respond well to suggestions that eradicate undesirable results. Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 In addition to being a great way to attract young talent to an agricultural career this is turning out to be a great way to reduce the cost and undesirable toil of hand weeding – particularly in things like leafy vegetable crops. Steven Savage, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Noun
Membership directors now are tasked less with keeping out undesirables and more with ensuring that those who’ve joined stay engaged—and happy to keep paying their fees. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2024 Alas, a cloud of false rumors about Lily’s character foments from her financial debts and her choice to consort with married men and social undesirables. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near undesirable

Cite this Entry

“Undesirable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undesirable. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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
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!