Definition

Not having been read or examined; something that remains untouched or unstudied.

Example

I have a stack of unread books on my shelf that I hope to get to soon.

Conversation

I just found a stack of unread books on my shelf.

Wow, how long have they been there?

I think some of them have been unread for over a year now!

You should definitely make time to read them; they might be really good.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unread → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "read" (from Old English "rǣdan", meaning to interpret or understand). The word "unread" means not having been read or interpreted.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'interpreted' ('read') something — that's why unread means something that hasn't been read.

Visually Confused Words