undesirable

American  

[uhn-di-zahyuhr-uh-buhl] / ˌʌn dɪˈzaɪər ə bəl /

adjective

1. not desirable or attractive; objectionable.

   undesirable qualities.

---

noun

1. a person or thing considered undesirable.

   a collection of malcontents and undesirables.

undesirable British  

/ ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbəl /

adjective

1. not desirable or pleasant; objectionable

---

noun

1. a person or thing that is considered undesirable

Other Word Forms

• undesirability noun
• undesirableness noun
• undesirably adverb

Etymology

Origin of undesirable

First recorded in 1660–70; un- ¹ + desirable

Example Sentences

"This is a new way to make a fundamental carbon-carbon bond and that's why the potential impact is so great. It also means chemists can avoid an undesirable and inefficient drug modification process."

From Science Daily

Leicester City are the only other members of the undesirable 'Premier League champions to be relegated' club.

From BBC

The role is seen as undesirable due to extensive travel, tough working conditions, and a perception of being less prestigious.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Speculative reports on militarily sensitive matters are undesirable in light of our security interests... and our relations with key Middle Eastern countries," he said.

From Barron's

Power vacuums can generate new, fragmented or radicalised centres of influence, complicating the regional balance in ways that are undesirable for Washington and its allies.

From BBC

Related Words

• abominable
• inadmissible
• loathsome
• objectionable
• troublesome
• unsatisfactory
• unsavory
• unwanted
• unwelcome