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.
This is basically unheard of in the setting of ALS. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Dec. 2025 Leaving in the middle of a season is rare but not unheard of — Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon and Dana Carvey did it in the past. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Dec. 2025 In the Middle Ages, this would have been unheard of. Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 This type of agreement is not unheard of, according to Billboard, mirroring the no-win-no-fee model employed by some legal firms. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Dec. 2025 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 27 Dec. 2025.

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
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