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
Here, the government is forbidden from engaging in viewpoint discrimination, banned from imposing blasphemy restrictions, and prohibited from banning undesirable political parties. The Editors, National Review, 18 Feb. 2025 Risk mitigation plans usually add undesirable costs. Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
Extra funding means nothing when the IRS is used to go after political opponents and perceived undesirables. William Henck, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024 Last year, Mbappe was one of them when he was dumped into what is called the ‘loft’ in France — a group of undesirables akin to what is known as the ‘bomb squad’ in English football. Peter Rutzler, The Athletic, 20 July 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 Feb. 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
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