1
a
: not perceived by the ear
Their cries for help were unheard.
b
: not given attention
The students' concerns went unheard [=were ignored] by the administration.
2
archaic : unheard-of

Examples of unheard in a Sentence

Their cries for help were unheard.
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.
Level99 has spent roughly four years building a corporate team that now numbers more than 100 people, something unheard of for just a three-location company. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 July 2026 His Portuguese-immigrant father, Miguel, moved to the gorge in 1984, when tourism in the area was practically unheard of. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 July 2026 Discoveries involving centuries-old food and drink are rare but not unheard of. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 In traditional car manufacturing, skipping physical prototypes for 45,000 km of testing is practically unheard of. New Atlas, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unheard

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unheard was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unheard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unheard. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

unheard

adjective
1
: not heard by the ear
2
: not given a hearing

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