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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.
The practice of security holds is virtually unheard of in other counties and has not been proven to improve outcomes in the legal system. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025 Interwoven throughout are previously unheard phone calls the couple taped to guard against FBI surveillance. Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025 The show’s journey culminates with the final nine episodes streaming today on Netflix, and serves as a milestone virtually unheard of in modern TV. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 21 Nov. 2025 One unusual feature of this event is its timing; sudden stratospheric warming events of this magnitude are almost unheard of in November, said meteorologist Judah Cohen, a research scientist at MIT. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 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 28 Nov. 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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