unanswered

adjective

un·​an·​swered ˌən-ˈan(t)-sərd How to pronounce unanswered (audio)
1
: not answered
unanswered letters
2
: scored in succession during a period in which an opponent fails to score
scored 20 unanswered points in the last quarter

Examples of unanswered 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.
The game commenced with four unanswered scores from Jenks and sloppy play from Southlake Carroll that included a handful of early penalties, messy substitutions and a lack of rhythm. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 One question that remains unanswered is whether Mueller (who’s 6-5 and 255 pounds) will be ready to help immediately as an in-line blocker. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 When a guest needed medical attention during a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana event on Thursday morning, calls to 911 went unanswered for nearly 30 minutes. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 In Rapides Parish, the secrecy left residents with unanswered questions and distrust of their local leaders. — Drew Hawkins, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unanswered

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanswered was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unanswered

See All Rhymes for unanswered

Browse Nearby Words

unanswerable
unanswered
unanticipated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unanswered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanswered. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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