uønskede

Uønskede is an adjective used in Danish and Norwegian to describe something or someone regarded as undesirable or not welcome. It can refer to people, objects, actions, or situations and is commonly placed before a noun, as in uønskede gæster (unwanted guests) or uønskede varer (unwanted goods). The form agrees with the number and gender of the noun it modifies.

Etymology and form: The term combines the prefix u- meaning not with ønsket, the past participle of ønske “to wish” or “desire.” Together they express a negation of desirability: not wished for or not desired.

Contexts and usage: In everyday language, uønskede covers a broad range of meanings, for example uønskede e-mails or uønskede henvendelser (unwanted emails or inquiries), uønskede bidrag, and similar phrases. In immigration, administrative, or media contexts, uønskede can describe people or groups regarded as not welcome. However, it is not a formal legal category, and official terms are typically used in policy or法律 documents. Because the word can be pejorative when applied to people, its use in encyclopedic writing is usually cautious and neutral.

See also: The opposite concept is ønsket (wanted), and related expressions include velkommen (welcome) and uønsket indhold (unwanted content).