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

The Daughter Industry remains open, complete and unfinished, awaiting anyone willing to take a seat and speak through voice, song, breath, and/or dance with it. —Literary Hub, 29 May 2026

Brew Bird serves Camellia coffee and pastries as well as wine, but also offers unfinished pottery that customers can paint. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

The failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, launched by Cuban exiles with CIA backing, became both a defining trauma and a lasting symbol of unfinished struggle. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

Fitness plans, side projects, and creative goals slowly disappear beneath distractions, unfinished notes, and shifting priorities. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 May 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