unshapen

adjective

un·shap·en ˌən-ˈshā-pən

Synonyms of unshapen next

next

: unshaped

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from un- entry 1 + shapen, past participle of shapen to shape

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of unshapen was in the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

unshapely

unshapen

unshared

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unshapen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unshapen. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

unshapen

adjective

un·shap·en ˌən-ˈshā-pən

ˈən-

: unshaped

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

enigmatic

Listen to the pronunciation of enigmatic

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Buck Naked' or 'Butt Naked'?

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

More Words with Remarkable Origins

The Words of the Week - Dec. 5

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Popular

'Buck Naked' or 'Butt Naked'?

More Words with Remarkable Origins

The Words of the Week - Dec. 5