unheard

adjective

un·​heard ˌən-ˈhərd How to pronounce unheard (audio)
1
a
: not perceived by the ear
Their cries for help were unheard.
b
: not given attention
The students' concerns went unheard [=were ignored] by the administration.
2
archaic : unheard-of

Examples of unheard in a Sentence

Their cries for help were unheard.
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.
Papal aircraft have had technical problems in the past, but for a plane carrying the pope to be unable to take off is unheard of. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 This second type of sovereign bond is nearly unheard of in capital markets because the credit risk an investor takes on is total. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026 Business-wise, that’s practically unheard of in today’s watchmaking. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 That level of attention is all-but unheard of for a midterm by-election to fill one of the 650 seats in the House of Commons. ABC News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unheard

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unheard was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unheard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unheard. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

unheard

adjective
un·​heard ˌən-ˈhərd How to pronounce unheard (audio)
1
: not heard by the ear
2
: not given a hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on unheard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster