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.
Gravest Gravy, an album consisting of a dozen previously unheard tracks that were recorded in 1977, with Big Star’s Alex Chilton producing, captures the band’s pioneering psychobilly sound at its birth. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026 Today, many brands are reshaping public appreciation for those unheard voices by sharing the traditional runway finale with them. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 But Timeless is the first release of unheard recordings since 2023, and fans grew restless in the interim, circulating petitions and open letters asking for more from Prince’s storied vaults. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 Cyclospora has historically been found in subtropical climates, so for a long time, infections from food grown inside the United States were unheard of. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 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
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Cite this Entry

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