Meaning & use
unforced
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounsport
In sports, (of a mistake) made by a player without pressure from the opponent.
Grammar: Usually before a noun: an unforced error. Not used after a verb like 'be unforced' in this sense.
Patterns
- unforced error
- commit an unforced error
The tennis player lost the match after several unforced errors.
His unforced error in the final set cost him the game.
She made too many unforced errors and lost the point.
adjectivebefore a nounformal
Not forced or unnatural; happening naturally and willingly.
Grammar: Used before a noun: an unforced smile. Can also be used after a linking verb: Her smile was unforced.
Patterns
- unforced smile
- unforced laughter
- unforced atmosphere
Her unforced smile made everyone feel at ease.
The conversation had an unforced quality that put us all at ease.
His laughter was unforced and genuine.
Common combinations
- unforced error
- The golfer made an unforced error on the last hole.
- commit an unforced error
- He committed an unforced error by hitting the ball out of bounds.
- unforced smile
- She gave an unforced smile when she saw her friend.
- unforced laughter
- The comedian's joke caused unforced laughter throughout the room.
Synonyms and how they differ
- natural
- Similar in meaning 'not forced', but 'natural' is more general and less formal.
- spontaneous
- Focuses on happening without planning; 'unforced' focuses on lack of pressure or effort.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: unforced or forced?
unforced vs forced
Forced means done against one's will or unnatural; unforced means the opposite.
Practice
In tennis, what is an 'unforced error'?
Choose one answer.
An unforced error is a mistake a player makes on their own, without the opponent forcing it. Option A describes a forced error. Option C is unrelated to the term. Option D is nonsensical because errors are not forced by rules.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unforced”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.