unerwünscht
unwanted
Not wanted or not welcome; something one would rather not have.
EXAMPLE
Eine der unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen des Medikaments ist Müdigkeit.
One of the unwanted side effects of the medication is fatigue.
unerwünscht
unwanted
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'erwünscht' (desired). 'Erwünscht' is the past participle of the verb 'erwünschen' (to desire/wish for) and is related to 'der Wunsch' (the wish). Something 'Unerwünschtes' is therefore literally something 'not desired'.
EXAMPLE
Bitte keine unerwünschte Werbung in den Briefkasten werfen.
Please do not put unwanted advertising in the mailbox.
Typical collocations
'Unerwünscht' (unwanted) is often used to describe negative consequences or disturbances. Common combinations are 'unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen' (unwanted side effects) in medicine, 'unerwünschte Folgen' (unwanted consequences), or 'unerwünschter Besuch' (unwanted visitors).
EXAMPLE
Der plötzliche Regen war ein unerwünschter Gast auf unserer Gartenparty.
The sudden rain was an unwanted guest at our garden party.
Register and style
This adjective is often used in a more formal or factual context, for example in medication package leaflets, technical instructions, or official notices.
EXAMPLE
Das Update soll unerwünschte Zugriffe auf das System verhindern.
The update is intended to prevent unwanted access to the system.
Compare with
unerwünscht vs ungewollt
unintended / unwanted
Unerwünscht and ungewollt can both describe something that someone does not want to have. Unerwünscht emphasizes rejection or the fact that something is not welcome, regardless of intention; ungewollt can additionally mean that something happened unintentionally. For a message that is not welcome, unerwünscht is appropriate; for something sent unintentionally, ungewollt is more appropriate.
unerwünscht
Die zusätzliche Werbe-E-Mail war bei den Kunden unerwünscht.
The additional marketing email was unwanted by the customers.
ungewollt
Die zusätzliche Werbe-E-Mail wurde durch einen Fehler ungewollt verschickt.
The additional marketing email was sent unintentionally because of an error.
In real life
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