unchosen
Left on shelf
Unchosen describes something not selected or picked.
A path unchosen remains untaken; an unchosen candidate didn't get the job.
The word often carries a wistful or reflective tone, suggesting alternatives that were passed over: She thought about the unchosen life she might have led.
It can also describe things one didn't elect to have: unchosen burdens, unchosen circumstances.
Released from duty
- declinedRefused or diminished
- refusedDeclined to accept
- spurnedRejected with contempt
- jiltedAbruptly rejected romantically
abandoned · forsaken · discarded · shunned · snubbed · rebuffed · passed up · turned down
Purposely not noticed
- neglectedNot given proper attention
- forgottenNo longer recalled
- unnoticedNot perceived by anyone
- undervaluedRated below true worth
unrecognized · disregarded · sidelined · overshadowed · eclipsed · unseen · unconsidered · unheeded
Officially disallowed
- barredBlocked from entry
- blacklistedFormally excluded or barred
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
- forbiddenNot allowed
disallowed · vetoed · blocked · restricted · ineligible · unqualified · inadmissible · precluded
Stored duplicate for recovery
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- substituteReplacement for another
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- alternativeAnother available choice
fallback · contingency · benchwarmer · understudy · second string · waiting list · on deck · held back
dismissed
Released from duty
jilted · abandoned · forsaken · discarded · shunned · snubbed · rebuffed · passed up · turned down · cast aside
ignored
Purposely not noticed
undervalued · unrecognized · disregarded · sidelined · overshadowed · eclipsed · unseen · unconsidered · unheeded · unobserved
banned
Officially disallowed
- barredBlocked from entry
- blacklistedFormally excluded or barred
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
forbidden · disallowed · vetoed · blocked · restricted · ineligible · unqualified · inadmissible · precluded · debarred
backup
Stored duplicate for recovery
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- substituteReplacement for another
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
alternative · fallback · contingency · benchwarmer · understudy · second string · waiting list · on deck · held back