Definition

Not completed or lacking a final touch; something that is still in progress or not fully developed.

Example

The artist left the painting unfinished, hoping to return to it later.

Conversation

I just noticed that my painting is still unfinished.

Oh really? I thought you were done with it!

I wish! I lost motivation halfway through and haven’t touched it since.

You should definitely get back to it; it would be a shame to leave it unfinished.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfinished → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "finished" (from Old French *finir*, meaning to end or complete). The word "unfinished" means not completed or lacking an end.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') 'completed' ('finished') — that's why unfinished means it hasn't reached its end.

Visually Confused Words