Unrequited

/ˌʌn.rɪˈkwaɪ.tɪd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not returned or reciprocated; often used in the context of love.

She suffered from unrequited love for years, yearning for someone who didn't feel the same way.

Not requited; not balanced or matched in feelings or response.

His unrequited admiration for her led him to write countless poems, pouring his heart out.

In a romantic context, referring to feelings that are not shared or returning.

Their unrequited affections led to a complicated friendship that was fraught with tension.

Describing a longing or desire that is not reciprocated.

The story revolves around the theme of unrequited desire and the pain it can cause.

From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'requited' from the Latin 'requītus', past participle of 'requīrere', meaning 'to seek again'.

unrequited love

Love that is not reciprocated to the person who feels it.

unrequited feelings

Emotions, especially romantic, that are not returned by the object of affection.

requited

Returned or reciprocated, usually in the context of emotions.

affection

A gentle feeling of fondness or liking.

Friend zoned

He thought they had a chance, but she friend zoned him, leading to unrequited feelings.

Catching feelings

She was catching feelings for someone who didn't feel the same way, facing unrequited love.