unforced

Everyday

1. Unforced means done naturally and easily, not with effort or pretending. tree →
2. (sport) An unforced error is a mistake a player makes on their own, not because the opponent made it hard. tree →

In the lessons

In sports, especially tennis, «unforced error» is a common phrase in commentary and statistics. In stories, an «unforced smile» or «unforced laugh» is natural and real. In everyday life it means freely done.

Examples

• Her smile was warm and unforced. tree →
• The tennis player made ten unforced errors. tree →
• That goal came from an unforced mistake by the defender. tree →
• Their friendship was easy and unforced. tree →
• He gave an unforced apology without being asked. tree →
• Too many unforced errors lost us the match. tree →

Note

Opposite: forced (a forced smile looks fake). In tennis statistics, unforced errors are counted; fewer is better.