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

These diversions require my full attention and prevent me from thinking about things such as my overflowing email inbox or unfinished household chores. —Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025

An analysis of a quarry containing unfinished statues showed how wayfaring Polynesians created the massive stone heads found across Rapa Nui, or Easter Island. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025

Archaeologists found rooms with unfinished walls, piles of premixed dry building material and weighing and measuring tools for preparing concrete. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Dec. 2025

The hotel had an unfinished feel. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025

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