unspeaking
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ʌnˈspiːkɪŋ//
KK: /ʌnˈspiːkɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Not able to speak or communicate verbally, often due to physical or emotional reasons.
Example
The unspeaking child watched the others play without joining in.
Conversation
Have you noticed how unspeaking Sarah has been lately?
Yeah, it’s a bit concerning. I wonder what’s going on with her.
I hope she’s okay; it feels different not hearing her voice.
Same here. Maybe we should check in on her.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mute
silent
voiceless
Antonyms
talkative
loquacious
chatty
verb
Definition
To not speak or to refrain from speaking; often used to describe a state of silence or inability to express oneself verbally.
Example
In the meeting, she remained unspeaking, lost in her thoughts.
Tense Forms
Past: unspoke
Past Participle: unsaid
Conversation
I was so surprised by what happened at the party last night.
Yeah, I heard it was pretty wild!
I couldn't believe they were unspeaking about the whole situation.
Root Explanation
Unspeaking → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "speak" (from Old English "specan", meaning to utter or say). The word "unspeaking" means not uttering or not speaking.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') and 'uttering words' ('speak') — that's why unspeaking means not speaking.
Visually Confused Words
speaking
nonspeaking
unshaking
unseeking
unseaming
unsealing
unparking
peaking