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.
Crazy because such an alliance was unheard of. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 20 June 2026 Of course, here in Hollywood, spoiling pets isn’t exactly unheard of. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 The performance marked the world premiere of works that had remained unheard for generations. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Germany’s gun laws are more restrictive than those in the United States, and mass shootings are rare but not unheard of. — Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 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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