unfinished

adjective

un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfi-nisht How to pronounce unfinished (audio)
Synonyms of unfinishednext
: not finished:
a
: not brought to an end or to the desired final state
an unfinished building/play/sentence
b
: being in a rough state : unpolished
unfinished wood
c
: subjected to no other processes (such as bleaching or dyeing) after coming from the loom

Examples of unfinished in a Sentence

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.
Fresh out of college, the Netflix series features Sahebi and her tightknit group of friends, exes and rivals returning to hillside mansions and luxury in southern California and unfinished drama, according to series synopsis. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 The longest unfinished stretch is the eight miles from Elysian Park through downtown to Maywood. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 That sense of unfinished potential ran throughout the memorial. — Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026 The Moon enters Gemini and your 12th House of Solitude, stirring private thoughts, dreams, and unfinished emotional noise. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfinished

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfinished was in 1539

Phrases Containing unfinished

Rhymes for unfinished

See All Rhymes for unfinished

Browse Nearby Words

unfinishable
unfinished
unfinished business
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfinished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfinished. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfinished

adjective
un·​fin·​ished ˌən-ˈfin-isht How to pronounce unfinished (audio)
: not finished
especially : not brought to the desired state
unfinished furniture

More from Merriam-Webster on unfinished

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unfinished

Nglish: Translation of unfinished for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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