unsung

play

adjective un·sung \ ˌən-ˈsəŋ \

Definition of unsung

1 :not sung

2 :not celebrated or praised (as in song or verse)

an unsung hero

See unsung defined for English-language learners

See unsung defined for kids

Examples of unsung in a Sentence

the unsung men and women who keep the streets safe
He is one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement.

Recent Examples of unsung from the Web

Within a few weeks 140 graves were filled, the last resting places for these unsung heroes, far from their homes in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

— james b. nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Madison Mayor Paul Soglin orders removal of two Confederate memorials from cemetery," 17 Aug. 2017
But as much fun as paying $12 for a beer at Ruschmeyer’s can be, there are a few reasons why South County is the unsung hero of the East Coast—no hairdryer or impossible-to-get dinner reservation required.

— sarah firshein, CNT, "Why South County, Rhode Island Is the Beach Destination You Need to Know About," 3 Aug. 2017
The unsung heroes of men's resort footwear are huaraches.

— mark anthony green, GQ, "How To Master Sweat-Free Style, According to The Style Guy," 30 July 2017
In California, sauvignon vines outnumber chenin vines three to one, and most of the chenin ends up as an unsung hero in blends.

— marnie old, Philly.com, "Great Wine Values: Beringer Main & Vine, Chenin Blanc, California," 24 July 2017
Position coach Mark Hagen and a solid, experienced group of linemen built what turned into the unsung strength of IU’s defensive turnaround.

— zach osterman, The Courier-Journal, "Position primer: IU's defensive improvement all starts up front," 19 July 2017
Getty The other day, unsung hero and KTLA reporter Wendy Burch got a new assignment: report live from Los Angeles' ironman competition.

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "Let's Take a Moment to Celebrate This Reporter Who Got Puked on During Her Live Broadcast, and Kept Going Like a Badass," 5 July 2017
An unsung hero on the night was Warwick Saupold, who threw three innings of relief on one hit.

— anthony fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Daniel Norris digs hole too deep; Detroit Tigers fall, 5-4, to Giants," 5 July 2017
The film, which played at the SXSW and Glastonbury Festivals, received praise for putting a spotlight on the unsung music-industry heroes who have helped artists top the charts, tour the world and survive.

— nicole brodeur, The Seattle Times, "‘Hired Gun’ film honors the rock gods you’ve never heard of. See it in Seattle.," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unsung.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of unsung

15th century

unsung Synonyms

Synonyms

nameless, no-name, noteless, uncelebrated, unfamous, unknown, unrecognized, obscure

Antonyms

celebrated, famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known

Related Words

insignificant, minor, unimportant; undistinguished, unexceptional, unremarkable; unpopular; anonymous, faceless, unnoticeable, unrecognizable; unnewsworthy, unnoticed; forgotten, unremembered

Near Antonyms

fabled, fabulous, legendary; infamous; distinguished, eminent, exceptional, great, illustrious, notable, outstanding, prestigious, remarkable; estimable, honorable, reputable, respectable; important, influential, leading, major, newsworthy, noteworthy, significant; favorite, popular, preferred

UNSUNG Defined for English Language Learners

unsung

play

adjective

Definition of unsung for English Language Learners

: not given attention and praise that is deserved for doing good things

Learn More about unsung

See words that rhyme with unsung Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unsung Spanish Central: Translation of unsung Nglish: Translation of unsung for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unsung for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up unsung? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

unsung

Definition of unsung

Examples of unsung in a Sentence

Recent Examples of unsung from the Web

First Known Use of unsung

unsung Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

UNSUNG Defined for English Language Learners

unsung

Definition of unsung for English Language Learners

Learn More about unsung

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

legerity

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Let's Talk 'Tea'

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name That Thing

Syn City

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066

unsung

Definition of unsung

From the M-W Editors

Examples of unsung in a Sentence

Recent Examples of unsung from the Web

First Known Use of unsung

unsung Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

UNSUNG Defined for English Language Learners

unsung

Definition of unsung for English Language Learners

Learn More about unsung

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066