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.
What accumulates is unfinished work, blurred accountability, momentum without closure. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 High-low contrasts, unfinished hems and material mixing also added to the collection’s boldness. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026 Brains and institutions alike are both drawn to exploit what already looks promising, often at the expense of exploring what’s merely interesting, awkward, or unfinished. Rachel Barr, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026 Spiber is careful to point out that even the unfinished Brewed Protein is degradable in ocean water, with over 70 percent breakdown in 30 days, thereby ensuring that micro-particles do not remain. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfinished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfinished. Accessed 5 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unfinished

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