Definition

Describing someone or something that does not have a father or whose father is unknown.

Example

The child felt unfathered, growing up without any knowledge of his dad.

Conversation

Did you hear about that kid in our class who is unfathered?

Yeah, it's really sad to think about his situation.

It makes me wonder how he feels being unfathered in a family-oriented school.

I know, right? I hope he has people to support him.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfathered → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "father" (from Old English "fæder", meaning male parent). The word "unfathered" means not having a father or lacking a father figure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having a 'father' — that's why 'unfathered' means lacking a father.

Visually Confused Words