unfinished

adjective

un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfi-nisht How to pronounce unfinished (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That unfinished grief, anger or confusion can show up unexpectedly in your new relationship. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Archaeologists recently excavated an ancient workshop in Greece, revealing a trove of unfinished projects and other curiosities. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025 The filmmaker, along with actress Terri J. Vaughn and Netflix, are all named in a lawsuit that claimed the She The People comedy series is based on information from an unfinished documentary and infringed on the trademark of a Mississippi nonprofit organization. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 June 2025 In a tragic accident, Buckley drowned in the Wolf River in Memphis in 1997, leaving behind an unfinished second album and a legion of devastated family, friends and fans. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfinished

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfinished was in 1539

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfinished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfinished. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfinished

adjective
un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfin-isht How to pronounce unfinished (audio)
: not finished
especially : not brought to the desired state
unfinished furniture

More from Merriam-Webster on unfinished

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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