Definition

Not known or recognized; something that has not been identified or named.

Example

The police found an unidentified object in the park.

Conversation

Did you hear about that unidentified object that appeared in the sky last night?

Yeah, I saw some photos online; it looked really strange!

I wonder if it's just a weather balloon or something more unidentified.

Who knows? It could be anything — maybe we'll find out soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unidentified → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "identified" (from Latin "identificare", meaning to make identical or to recognize). The word "unidentified" means not recognized or not made identical to something known.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') recognizing something ('identified') — that's why unidentified means something that is not recognized.

Visually Confused Words