unfinished

adjective

un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfi-nisht 

: not finished:

a

: not brought to an end or to the desired final state

an unfinished building/play/sentence

b

: being in a rough state : unpolished

unfinished wood

c

: subjected to no other processes (such as bleaching or dyeing) after coming from the loom

Examples of unfinished in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Second, shame tolerance, launching imperfect products early, overcoming discomfort with being seen unfinished. — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Some commands appear unfinished, but the working features give criminals extensive access to an infected phone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Make the call, submit the application or return to the unfinished draft. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Visitors reported visible signs of unfinished construction, including packing tape on stair railings and paint splatters beneath glass panels. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unfinished

• unfinished business

Rhymes for unfinished

• semifinished
• undiminished
• diminished
• refinished
• finished

Kids Definition

unfinished

adjective

un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfin-isht 

: not finished

especially : not brought to the desired state

unfinished furniture