Definition

Not having been followed or discovered; lacking a clear path or record.

Example

The origins of the artifact remain untraced despite extensive research.

Conversation

Did you hear about the case where the evidence was untraced?

Yeah, that sounds really suspicious.

I wonder how they can solve it if they have nothing to go on.

It's tough, but sometimes untraced evidence leads to new clues.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Untraced → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "trace" (from Old French *tracer*, meaning to mark or draw). The word "untraced" means not marked or drawn, indicating something that has not been followed or discovered.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') 'marked' or 'drawn' ('trace') — that's why untraced means it hasn't been found or followed.

Visually Confused Words