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

Loosely based on an unfinished novel by Federico García Lorca, a writer assassinated during the Spanish Civil War, the film explores the lives of three gay men in three time periods. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

The Moon opposes probing Pluto, bringing attention to unfinished tasks, mental clutter, or a habit that no longer helps. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026

According to residents, the building was at least 55 years old and had been under renovation for months before reopening to tenants, mostly students, in August despite work remaining unfinished. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Mudryk enjoyed a breakthrough season with De Zerbi, making his Champions League debut and winning the club’s player of the year award in an unfinished season due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 4 Sep. 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