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

At the end of the space, there's a Virgin-red grand staircase that leads to the fourth floor, which is largely unfinished as of the April 2023 grand opening. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026

His scientist creator, Victor Frankenstein, reluctantly agrees, but at the last moment tears the unfinished mate limb from limb as the creature watches on in horror. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

An Orange County Public Works crew has demolished a Vietnam War memorial that was left unfinished in Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

In the Regency Heights Neighborhood of Independence, at least 18 unfinished homes cluttered the neighborhood. —Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 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