unheard

adjective

un·​heard ˌən-ˈhərd How to pronounce unheard (audio)
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.
Mass shootings are rare in Canada, a country with much stricter gun laws than the US, and school shootings of this scale are almost unheard of. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026 The frustration of feeling unheard can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation that can increase risk of depression, Lang says. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 11 Feb. 2026 Mass shootings are rare in Canada, but not unheard of. Richard Hall, Time, 11 Feb. 2026 So being able to select your type of steak — that’s kind of unheard of. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unheard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unheard. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

unheard

adjective
un·​heard ˌən-ˈhərd How to pronounce unheard (audio)
1
: not heard by the ear
2
: not given a hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on unheard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster