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

Stripped of modern tools, MASK is messy, blemished, unfinished—and all the sweeter for it. —Arielle Gordon, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026

My task is to read their unpublished, often unfinished writing—less as a teacher or as an editor than as a cheerfully unlicensed therapist. —David O’Neill, New Yorker, 20 May 2026

Construction at the site has remained unfinished since mid-2023, with an arbitration panel ruling in October 2025 to set a future hearing date for litigation for this September. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before tackling a larger surface, and avoid using detergent on delicate natural stone, hardwood, unfinished wood and glass. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 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