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Desideratum means "something that is desired", and quite often is used in philosophy to refer to the subject of a philosophical investigation. (Wiktionary, Merriam-Webster)

I want another word, preferably Latin, that means "something not [specifically] wished for." For instance, a theory is answering some questions (which can be interesting in and of itself) while the questions have not been asked in the first place. Not that the answer is toxic/hated, but it simply doesn't interest the listener.

The only things I've already found (like here) suggests opposites with very negative meaning, like anathema or abhorrent.

Thanks in advance.

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If you find something not wished for (desideratum), then surely it is irrelevant?

The word for this, then, is alienus, whuch used substantively becomes alienum. Otherwise, a phrase such as nihil ad rem, roughly 'not to the point' should serve.

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  • The latter seems a better fit (as the case I'm trying to convey is like someone having an answer, walking in the streets looking for a question for it.) Thanks!
    – psyguy
    Aug 11, 2019 at 16:11

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