"A unrequited" describes a feeling, usually love or affection, that is not reciprocated. It means the person experiencing the feeling does not receive the same feeling in return. It is always used figuratively to describe an emotion or desire that is not fulfilled.
The word "unrequited" itself comes from the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") and the word "requited," which means "returned" or "reciprocated." The phrase has been in common usage for centuries, particularly in literature and poetry dealing with themes of love and loss.
Neutral. The phrase "a unrequited" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
"A unrequited" functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It is typically used with nouns like "love," "crush," "passion," or "longing." You can modify the intensity (e.g., "a deeply unrequited love") or the nature of the feeling (e.g., "an unrequited artistic passion"). It is not typically negated directly (e.g., "a not unrequited love" is awkward and unusual), but the situation can be described with different wording. Questions can be asked about unrequited feelings.
It sounds unnatural to use "a unrequited" to describe something other than emotions or desires. For example, "an unrequited loan" or "an unrequited favor" would be incorrect. Avoid using it in contexts where reciprocity is not expected or relevant. Overly complex modifications can also sound awkward.
These examples are sourced from a unrequited on Ludwig.guru.
"Another article told of a unrequited love that was unfortunately cut short by one half of the pair passing away at only 23." — Huffington Post
"The biggest roar came when Mr. Ocean performed "Bad Religion," a song lamenting an unrequited love for a man." — The New York Times - Arts
"It doesn't matter if it was a long-term relationship, a short-lived cyber affair, an unrequited love or a good friends-with-benefits arrangement." — HuffPost
"A bracelet, given to an unrequited love only to have it thrown back in your stupid face." — Vice
"Instead, overtaken by an unrequited passion for an unattainable boy, he courts death by failing to heed warnings about the cholera epidemic sweeping the city." — The Guardian - Film
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/a+unrequited
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| one-sided love | Direct synonym, slightly less formal |
| unreciprocated affection | More formal and clinical |
| a hopeless crush | Implies a feeling of futility or despair |
| love that wasn't meant to be | More poetic and romantic |
| a lost cause | Highlights the futility of the situation |
| a pipe dream | Suggests the feeling is unrealistic and unattainable |
| a fool's errand | Suggests the pursuit is unwise or foolish |
Using "a unrequited" to describe non-emotional situations is a common mistake. For example, saying "an unrequited payment" is incorrect. Also, using overly complex or unusual adjectives to modify "unrequited" can sound awkward.
A very common mistake is omitting the noun after "unrequited." Saying "He felt unrequited" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "He felt an unrequited love" or something similar. You need the noun to complete the phrase.
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| a unrequited | A feeling, typically love, that is not returned | Neutral | Non-emotional contexts; omitting the noun after "unrequited" |
"A unrequited" is almost exclusively used figuratively. It describes an emotion, desire, or feeling that is not reciprocated. It would sound very strange to use it in a literal sense.
Both phrases describe feelings that are not returned, but "a hopeless crush" emphasizes the feeling of futility and despair. "A unrequited love" is a more general term for love that is not reciprocated, while "a hopeless crush" suggests a more immediate and perhaps less profound feeling.
The correct way to use "a unrequited" is as an adjective modifying a noun, usually related to feelings or desires. It's crucial to include a noun after it, such as "a unrequited love," "an unrequited passion," or "an unrequited crush." Omitting the noun results in an ungrammatical and unclear phrase.
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