SKIP TO CONTENT

unanswered

/ˈʌnˌænsərd/
/ənˈɑnsəd/
IPA guide

If something is unanswered, it gets no response, even when one is asked for or expected. So that unanswered text message? It hasn't gotten a reply.

An unanswered phone call isn't answered but instead just rings and rings endlessly. An unanswered question hovers there without a response, like when your dad asks, "Who's responsible for this mess?" and none of your siblings says a thing. If you write dozens of letters to your favorite Hollywood star but don't get a reply, those are (sadly) unanswered too.

Definitions of unanswered
  1. adjective
    not returned in kind
    “unrequited (unanswered) love”
    nonreciprocal
    not reciprocal
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘unanswered'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family