unwanted attention

Creepy persistent interest

Unwanted attention is notice or interest from others that the recipient finds intrusive, uncomfortable, or harassing.

The phrase most often describes persistent romantic or sexual pursuit that continues despite signals of disinterest: She complained to HR about unwanted attention from a coworker.

It can also refer to media scrutiny, surveillance, or any focus one would prefer to avoid: The scandal brought unwanted attention to his business dealings.

Related

anxiety · doxxing · objectified · gawking · being watched · micromanagement · paparazzi · media circus · cornered · boundary violation · stress · pestering · rubbernecking · spotlight effect · tabloidization · prying · eavesdropping · public shaming

Opposites
desirability of attention

unwanted attentionwarm reception

Enthusiastic, friendly greeting

adulation · affirmation · approval · appreciation · courtship

presence of attention

unwanted attentioninvisibility

State of being unseen

neglect · anonymity · obscurity · indifference · disregard

social comfort

unwanted attentionpersonal space

Comfort distance around oneself

ease

Family

attention, unwanted

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG