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.
Construction at the site has remained unfinished since mid-2023, with an arbitration panel ruling in October 2025 to set a future hearing date for litigation for this September. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before tackling a larger surface, and avoid using detergent on delicate natural stone, hardwood, unfinished wood and glass. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 This week, Al traces the themes of one of Drake’s greatest tracks of this decade back to his unfinished R&B leaks of the late 2000s. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 May 2026 Slightly unsettled embraces the unfinished with clothing that’s imperfect. Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfinished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfinished. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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

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