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

After pitching the story idea to Shults, Tesfaye sent him song demos, unfinished material and references from older songs that the director would put in the script. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 May 2025

An ongoing legal battle between a Kansas town and a burger joint over an unfinished mural is sparking controversy in the community, with lawyers claiming the city violated free speech rights. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025

Image Mejia went from an unfinished boy to a refined god with the help of his three muses (Unity Phelan, Dominika Afanasenkov and Ashley Hod). —Thea Traff, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Authorities spotted a green carpet in one section of the home’s unfinished basement and ripped it out to reveal a fresh patch of concrete in the shape of a gravesite. —Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 27 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