unrequited
unrequited Lexical Profile
unrequited Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Not returned or reciprocated, especially in reference to romantic love or affection.
"Many classic nineteenth-century novels explore the quiet heartbreak of unrequited love."
Not repaid, rewarded, or avenged (of a service, favor, or injury).
"Years of unrequited labor left the dedicated volunteers feeling overlooked by the organization."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, 'unrequited' is used almost exclusively to modify 'love' or related words of romantic affection, whereas the positive counterpart 'requited' is rarely used outside of literary contexts.
• Rhymes for unrequited
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century, formed from the prefix 'un-' and 'requited', the past participle of 'requite' (to repay or return a favor), which blends 're-' with the archaic verb 'quite' (from Old French 'quiter', meaning to settle or clear a debt).