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 unfinished work on the nightstand will keep your mind racing. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 2026

But nearly ten years on, as the world order unravels, the exhibition’s ruminative posture comes across as toothless and unfinished. —Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026

Investigating California’s Insurance Crisis California high-speed rail California has spent more than $14 billion on high-speed rail, but the project remains unfinished. —CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

In one hallway, Henraux presents three slabs of unfinished marble. —Marianna Cerini, CNN Money, 21 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