Undelivered: meaning, definitions and examples

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undelivered

 

[ˌʌndɪˈlɪvəd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

package delivery

Not delivered or received by the intended recipient.

Synonyms

failed delivery, not delivered, unreceived.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undelivered

This word is generally used to describe a message, package, or document that has not reached the intended recipient but doesn't emphasize the reason.

  • The letter remained undelivered due to an incorrect address.
  • My parcel is still undelivered after two weeks.
unreceived

This word is less commonly used and typically refers to something that has not been acknowledged or acquired by a recipient. It may imply that it has been sent but not physically received.

  • The payment remains unreceived, please check with your bank.
  • The confirmation email is unreceived by the client.
not delivered

This phrase is typically used in a simple, direct way to state that the delivery has not occurred. It doesn't provide much detail about why.

  • The package was not delivered on the expected date.
  • If the documents are not delivered by Friday, please contact support.
failed delivery

This term is used when there is an active attempt to deliver something, but the delivery process failed due to some issue or error.

  • The failed delivery was due to no one being home to receive the package.
  • We apologize for the failed delivery of your item; we will try again tomorrow.

Examples of usage

  • The undelivered parcel was returned to the sender.
  • Due to the undelivered package, the customer requested a refund.
  • The undelivered mail was lost in transit.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', combined with 'delivered', which has roots in Latin from 'deliverare' meaning to free or set free.
  • The addition of 'un-' indicates the opposite condition, emphasizing that the item remains unfreed or undelivered.

Communication Technology

  • In the context of emails, an 'undelivered' message means the email couldn’t reach the recipient, often due to an incorrect address or server issue.
  • Many online tools provide delivery status notifications, helping users keep track of whether their messages are undelivered or successfully sent.

Logistics and Shipping

  • Packages may be classified as 'undelivered' due to factors like bad weather, incorrect addresses, or the recipient being unavailable.
  • Tracking systems in shipping often notify senders of undelivered items so they can take action, such as rescheduling delivery.

Psychology

  • 'Undelivered' messages can create anxiety for senders, reflecting a fear of communication breakdowns or unresolved matters.
  • In interpersonal contexts, undelivered feelings or messages can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, highlighting the importance of open communication.

Literature

  • The concept of 'undelivered' communication is often explored in literature, symbolizing emotional distance or missed connections between characters.
  • Authors sometimes use letters that go undelivered as a plot device to create tension or unresolved romantic scenarios.

Translations

Translations of the word "undelivered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não entregue

🇮🇳 नहीं पहुंचाया गया

🇩🇪 nicht zugestellt

🇮🇩 tidak terkirim

🇺🇦 не доставлено

🇵🇱 nie dostarczony

🇯🇵 未配達 (みはいたつ)

🇫🇷 non livré

🇪🇸 no entregado

🇹🇷 teslim edilmedi

🇰🇷 미배송 (미배달)

🇸🇦 غير مسلّم

🇨🇿 nedoručený

🇸🇰 nedoručený

🇨🇳 未送达 (wèi sòng dá)

🇸🇮 nedostavljeno

🇮🇸 ekki afhent

🇰🇿 жеткізілмеген

🇬🇪 მიუღებელი

🇦🇿 çatdırılmamış

🇲🇽 no entregado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,374, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.