unrequited
UK: ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd | US: ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd
adj. (of love or affection) not returned or reciprocated
adj. (of an action) not repaid or rewarded
The word "unrequited" originates from the combination of the prefix "un-" (meaning "not"), the prefix "re-" (meaning "back"), and the root "quit" (derived from Latin "quietare," meaning "to repay" or "to settle"). The suffix "-ed" turns it into an adjective. Historically, "quit" evolved from Old French "quiter" (to release or repay), which itself came from Latin "quietus" (calm, settled). The term originally referred to debts or obligations that remained unpaid but later specialized in describing unreciprocated emotions, particularly love.
She suffered years of unrequited love for her best friend.
His unrequited efforts went unnoticed by the company.
The novel explores the pain of unrequited affection.
Unrequited kindness often leaves one feeling empty.
He wrote poetry about his unrequited feelings.