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

That reciprocity remains very much an unfinished project. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

Any games that are tied or unfinished will be concluded at the site of the home team no later than the end of the next week. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

While Dybantsa made high six figures at Utah Prep, the school itself fell behind on bills and construction projects, according to reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune; at that point, the gym was still unfinished and exposed wiring lined the weight room’s ceiling. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026

Writing the biography of a living person is tricky, because by definition the story is unfinished. —Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 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