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unappreciated

/ˈʌnəˌpriʃiˈeɪdɪd/
/ənəˈprɪʃieɪtɪd/
IPA guide

Knowing that "un-" means "not," you can probably figure out that someone who is unappreciated is someone whose value is not recognized or rewarded. We all feel unappreciated at times, but feeling that way might help us appreciate others.

The adjective unappreciated took shape in the mid-19th century. It evolved from the Latin appretiāre, "to set a value on something." The word unappreciated can refer to anything that does not receive full credit, either positive or negative. For example, we might say that the possibilities of disaster due to global warming are still unappreciated by most people.

Definitions of unappreciated
  1. adjective
    having value that is not acknowledged
    synonyms: unsung, unvalued
    unacknowledged
    not recognized or admitted
  2. adjective
    not likely to be rewarded
    synonyms: thankless, ungratifying
    unrewarding
    not rewarding; not providing personal satisfaction
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘unappreciated'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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