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.
Neighbors say that the incident is unheard of in their usually quiet community. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The audit was unheard of in local politics, according to a former mayor, and sparked concern from First Amendment advocates. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 Johnson was most proud last week of the Bears drawing only two flags, unheard of in a preseason game. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 While transporting large mammals like whales, dolphins and polar bears by plane isn’t unheard of — SeaWorld has been doing it for decades, says Eric Otjen, vice president of zoological operations at the San Diego park. — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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