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.
Some muskie anglers are speaking out strongly against FFS because those treasured and relatively rare fish are being caught at rates unheard of until the advent of this new technology. Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 This isn't unheard of, the bank said. Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 Detaining people for unpaid hospital bills wasn’t unheard of in Kenya, particularly for patients without medical insurance. Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026 Captain Paul Paolucci, who has been with the company for more than two decades, said great white encounters are uncommon but not unheard of. Bri Buckley, CBS News, 20 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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

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