What term is used for unsolicited and unwanted e-mail messages?

The term "spam" specifically refers to unsolicited and unwanted e-mail messages, which are typically sent in bulk to numerous recipients without their consent. These messages often promote products or services, but they can also include irrelevant content or even harmful links. The nature of spam is such that it clutters inboxes and can lead to decreased productivity for users who have to sift through these unwanted communications.

In contrast, newsletters are usually opt-in communications that provide subscribers with updates or information on specific topics of interest. Mailing lists refer to groups of email addresses collected for sending out messages, often with the consent of the recipients, and phishing refers to deceptive emails designed to trick users into revealing personal information. Thus, "spam" is the most accurate term for unsolicited emails.