What is unwelcome? Pronunciation and usage in English

unwelcome means . Learn how to pronounce and use unwelcome through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unwelcome

unwelcomeadjective

/ʌnˈwelkəm//ʌnˈwelkəm/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unwelcome." It can be a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and a more descriptive explanation:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈʌn.ˈwɛl.kəm

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ˈʌn: This is the first syllable.
    • ˈ (This symbol indicates stress - it means this syllable is emphasized.)
    • ʌ (This sound is like the "uh" sound in "but" or "cup." It's a short, relaxed vowel.)
  • ˈwɛl: This is the second syllable.
    • ˈ (Again, stress)
    • w (As in "water")
    • ɛ (This sound is like the "e" in "bed" or "let." It’s a short vowel.)
  • kəm: This is the final syllable.
    • k (As in “kite”)
    • əm (This is a very short unstressed “uh” sound, like the “a” in “about.”)

3. Putting it Together - How to Say it:

  1. Start with a relaxed "uh" sound (like in "but").
  2. Add a "w" sound (as in "water").
  3. Say "el" (as in "tell").
  4. Finish with "come" (but very quickly and slightly reduced – almost like “kum”).

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable ("un"). That's the core of the word.
  • Don't over-elongate: The "el" and "come" parts are short and quick. Don't stretch them out.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Search: Search “how to pronounce unwelcome” on Google and play the audio.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/unwelcome/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce unwelcome" on YouTube for video tutorials.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word unwelcome in English

Let's break down how to use the word "unwelcome." It essentially means "not wanted" or "not appreciated." Here's a comprehensive guide, broken down into different ways to use it with examples:

1. Basic Meaning & Structure:

  • Definition: Unwelcome describes something – a person, a situation, an event – that is not desired or pleasing.
  • Structure: "Unwelcome [noun]" – You almost always use "unwelcome" in conjunction with a noun.

2. Common Usage – Examples:

  • People: “Her arrival was quite unwelcome.” (Meaning she wasn't wanted.)
  • Events: “The unexpected rain was unwelcome after days of sunshine.” (The rain wasn’t what they wanted.)
  • Situations: “The news was unwelcome for the family.” (The news wasn’t good news, and therefore felt unwelcome.)
  • Offers/Requests: “He found the persistent phone calls unwelcome.” (He didn't want the calls.)
  • Suggestions: "The suggestion that we raise our taxes was unwelcome." (People didn't want that suggestion to happen.)

3. Using it with Adjectives (intensifying the feeling):

You can add adjectives before "unwelcome" to add more emphasis:

  • Very Unwelcome: “The criticism was very unwelcome.” (Strongly disliked)
  • Extremely Unwelcome: “The government’s policy changes were extremely unwelcome.” (Strongly opposed)
  • Surprisingly Unwelcome: "Despite his enthusiasm, the idea was surprisingly unwelcome." (It was unexpected that it wouldn't be liked.)

4. Phrasal Verbs & Expressions:

  • “It was an unwelcome surprise.” – Something unexpected and not pleasant.
  • “He received an unwelcome letter.” – A letter that wasn’t wanted.
  • “She faced an unwelcome challenge.” - A difficult task that wasn't desired.

5. Context & Nuance:

  • Emotional Tone: "Unwelcome" often carries a tone of disappointment, frustration, or resentment. It suggests something is causing a negative feeling.
  • Subjectivity: What's "unwelcome" to one person might not be to another. It's based on individual preferences and circumstances.

6. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings):

  • Unwanted
  • Displeasing
  • Regrettable
  • Detested
  • Offensive
  • Problematic

Let’s Practice!

Here are some sentences where you can try inserting "unwelcome":

  1. The sudden change in weather was __________.
  2. His constant complaining was __________.
  3. The news of the layoffs was __________.
  4. The persistent buzzing of the fly was __________.

Answers:

  1. unwelcome
  2. unwelcome
  3. unwelcome
  4. unwelcome

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Create a short paragraph using the word "unwelcome"?
  • Help you practice with sentences?

Synonyms for the word unwelcome

Practice with vocabulary unwelcome

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee considered his abrupt departure an ________ development, as it jeopardized the ongoing project.
  2. For many residents, the proposed construction of a new waste treatment plant nearby was an ________ intrusion into their quiet community.
  3. The report highlighted an ________ shift in consumer preferences, requiring the company to revise its marketing strategy.
  4. The CEO was visibly ________ with the quarterly financial results, calling for an immediate review of departmental budgets.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company's decision to implement mandatory overtime was met with an ________ response from the workforce. A. favorable B. unanimous C. unwelcome D. positive E. negative F. enthusiastic

  2. Which of the following terms could aptly describe a message or feedback that is neither sought nor appreciated? A. Constructive B. Unsolicited C. Welcome D. Unwelcome E. Encouraging F. Critical

  3. Facing persistent technical glitches, the product launch experienced several ________ delays. A. anticipated B. foreseeable C. unexpected D. planned E. surprising F. predictable

  4. Which word(s) best describe something that is not wanted or not pleasing in a given situation? A. Gratifying B. Unwelcome C. Beneficial D. Detrimental E. Pleasant F. Objectionable

  5. The prolonged negotiations for the new trade agreement proved largely ________, yielding no significant breakthroughs. A. fruitful B. successful C. unproductive D. effective E. futile F. advantageous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The presence of unauthorized personnel in the data center was a serious security concern. Rewrite using "unwelcome": ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  2. Original: His continuous questioning during the presentation created an atmosphere that was difficult for the speaker. Rewrite using "unwelcome": ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  3. Original: The severe weather conditions led to several problems for the city's public transportation system. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "unwelcome"): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. unwelcome
  2. unwelcome
  3. adverse
  4. displeased

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C. unwelcome, E. negative
  2. B. Unsolicited, D. Unwelcome
  3. C. unexpected, E. surprising
  4. B. Unwelcome, F. Objectionable
  5. C. unproductive, E. futile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The presence of unauthorized personnel in the data center was an unwelcome security concern.
  2. His continuous questioning during the presentation created an unwelcome atmosphere for the speaker.
  3. The severe weather conditions led to several adverse problems for the city's public transportation system.

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