unforced

adjective

un·​forced ˌən-ˈfȯrst How to pronounce unforced (audio)
Synonyms of unforcednext
: not forced: such as
a
: done or produced naturally or with minimal effort
a genuine, unforced smile
His writing has a natural, unforced style.
b
: caused by one's own poor play, performance, etc.
an unforced error in tennis

Examples of unforced in a Sentence

the participation of the people on the project must be unforced, or it really isn't a volunteer effort
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Boone speaks for the record multiple times a day, eight months a year, and almost never commits an unforced error. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Maye had three turnovers in Super Bowl 60, including a ghastly, unforced interception that snuffed a semi-decent comeback chance. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Joe Biden’s presidency, for example, should have offered a cautionary tale about the dangers of unforced errors. Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026 Like most of the fiascos of Starmer’s premiership, the Mandelson error was unforced. Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unforced

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforced was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unforced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforced. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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