unfinished

adjective

un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfi-nisht How to pronounce unfinished (audio)
Synonyms of unfinishednext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sultan’s latest posthumous collection shifts the focus to the artist’s mostly unpublished writings, which include his musings on teaching and art, unfinished short stories, dream logs, and essays. Vanity Fair, 26 Mar. 2026 But the developer’s lender foreclosed on the asset last year, and the project remains empty and unfinished. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 Not even necessarily an unfinished book. Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026 The not-yet-finished becomes simply the unfinished. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfinished

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfinished was in 1539

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Cite this Entry

“Unfinished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfinished. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

unfinished

adjective
un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfin-isht How to pronounce unfinished (audio)
: not finished
especially : not brought to the desired state
unfinished furniture

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