unfinished

adjective

un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfi-nisht 

: not finished:

a

: not brought to an end or to the desired final state

b

: being in a rough state : unpolished

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

Their luxury lodging turned out to be unfinished FEMA tents, and gourmet food was actually boxed cheese sandwiches. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025

Upstairs, a mid-chiseled wooden boar and horse are left unfinished in Joel's workspace, a guitar leans against the bedroom window sill, and a copy of Idiot's Guide to Space lies half read on the nightstand. —EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Don’t focus solely on square footage but consider if unfinished basements or extra bedrooms could be repurposed. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025

In the real world, people don’t get to go on vacation while their main work is left unfinished. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 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