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uninvited

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˌʌnɪnvˈaɪtɪd/

US

  • /ˌənɪnˈvaɪtɪd/

Description

Imagine throwing a party, a really great one. Now imagine someone showing up who wasn't on the guest list. That person is uninvited. It means they were not asked to come, and their presence might make things awkward.

"Uninvited" can describe people, of course, but also things like opinions, advice, or comments. You might offer an uninvited opinion during a meeting, or get uninvited advice from someone who jumps into your problem. The word often suggests that something is not welcome, even if it is not openly rejected.

Examples

  1. 1

    Social event

    He showed up at the wedding uninvited.

  2. 2

    Dinner guests

    We had to find extra chairs when two uninvited guests arrived for dinner.

  3. 3

    Advice

    She was polite, but my uninvited advice clearly annoyed her.

    • Phrase

      uninvited advice

      advice no one asked for

  4. 4

    Criticism

    The team welcomes feedback, but constant uninvited criticism wears people down.

  5. 5

    Media attention

    After the court case, cameras and reporters became an uninvited part of their daily lives.

See also

adjectivenot asked or invited to attend, enter, or take part

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • uninvited guest
  • show up uninvited
  • arrive uninvited

Word family

Explore

  • gatecrasher
  • invitation etiquette

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • uninvitedadjective