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 mechanics of Gaelic football make even one of these a rarity; two was practically unheard of. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Modern workplaces, despite abundant digital communication, often leave employees feeling unheard, contributing to disengagement and high turnover. — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Experts told Fox News Digital this move from Stallone was highly unheard of at the time. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 Relationships between members of Congress and staffers in other offices aren't unheard of. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing unheard

Rhymes for unheard

See All Rhymes for unheard

Browse Nearby Words

unhealthy
unheard
unheard-of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unheard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unheard. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of unheard for Spanish Speakers

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