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

Leaving the floor bare can make an entryway feel cold, unfinished, or like an afterthought. — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026

Choose what needs your best energy and let something less important remain unfinished. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Cruise is one of the last major movie stars of the 1990s whose competitive Oscar story remains unfinished. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Previous seasons saw Vernon curate the subterranean room into messy domestic tableaux, with pieces nestled among scenes of dinner parties and unfinished musical manuscripts—the detritus of a chaotic creative process. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 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