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.
My Aim is True — 49th Anniversary Edition, is easily one of the year’s best reissues, packed with unheard songs and era-spanning live performances. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026 Just two years ago, ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the use of AI in political ads was nearly unheard of. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 Punishments for parents are not unheard of, particularly in Orange County. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Top and bottom line beats, with orders up 49%, which is practically unheard of. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 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

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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 27 Oct. 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
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