Undesirables

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Referring to individuals or groups considered unwelcome or unacceptable in a specific context
2. Describing people deemed undesirable due to their behaviors, characteristics, or affiliations
3. Characterizing those who are excluded or rejected by society or specific communities due to negative perceptions

Etymology: "Undesirables" is the plural of "undesirable," an adjective formed from the prefix "un-" (not), the verb "desire," and the suffix "-able" (capable of being). The noun use, referring to people, developed from the adjective, so the people it names are those judged not capable of being wanted. "Desire" came into English from Old French "desirer," which goes back to Latin "desiderare," meaning to long for or miss something. Some scholars have proposed a link to "sidus," the Latin word for star, suggesting the verb once meant to regret the absence of a heavenly body, but this connection is uncertain.

Synonyms: outcasts, unwanted, rejects, undesirables, nonconformists

Antonyms: valuables, assets, beneficials, acceptables, desirables