unheard
Americanadjective
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not heard; not perceived by the ear.
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not given a hearing or audience.
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Archaic. unheard-of.
adjective
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not heard; not perceived by the ear
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not listened to or granted a hearing
his warning went unheard
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archaic unheard-of
Etymology
Origin of unheard
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English unherd. See un- 1, heard ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While it is not unheard of, it is rare for a Fed chair to remain on as a member of the board after their term as chief expires.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
These two movies’ lifecycles overlapping is a rare coincidence, but not entirely unheard of.
From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026
"I'm constantly watching my back," she said, "I have something on my phone so when I tap it three times, it sends an alert. It's dystopian but this is not unheard of."
From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026
It is rare, but not unheard of, for less-lethal munitions to cause death.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026
But leaving the bench in the first quarter is unheard of.
From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
