gesucht

Definition & meaning

The word gesucht primarily functions as an adjective or the past participle of the verb suchen ↗. It has three main meanings depending on the context:

1. In demand or popular: It describes something or someone that many people want to have or hire. For example, a specialist in a specific field or a rare collector's item is considered gesucht.
2. Wanted by the law: In a legal or police context, it refers to a person who is being actively tracked down by authorities for a crime or for questioning. This is often seen on "Wanted" posters (Steckbrief ↗).
3. Artificial or far-fetched: When describing a style, a metaphor, or an explanation, it means that something feels unnatural, forced, or overly complicated rather than spontaneous and simple.

Grammar & Word origin

Gesucht is the past participle (Partizip II) of the German verb suchen ↗, which means "to search" or "to look for."

The word originates from the Old High German suohhen, which is related to the English verb "to seek." In modern German, it can be used as part of a perfect tense construction (e.g., Ich habe dich gesucht — I have looked for you) or as a standalone adjective (e.g., ein gesuchter Mann — a wanted man).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• gefragt ↗: In demand or popular (often used for jobs or products).
• begehrt ↗: Highly desired or coveted.
• erwünscht ↗: Desired or welcome.
• gekünstelt ↗: Affected or artificial (used for the stylistic meaning).
• unnatürlich ↗: Unnatural.

Antonyms

• ungesucht ↗: Not searched for; also used to describe something that happens naturally without effort.
• unbeliebt ↗: Unpopular or not liked.
• natürlich ↗: Natural or spontaneous.
• vorhanden ↗: Available or present (as opposed to something that needs to be searched for).