Unfinished: meaning, definitions and examples
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unfinished
[ˌʌnˈfɪnɪʃt ]
Definitions
work
Not completed or concluded; ongoing
Synonyms
incomplete, partial, uncompleted.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unfinished |
Used when referring to something that has not been brought to an end or completed, often implying that it was left in a state that still requires some work or attention.
|
| incomplete |
Implying that something is missing parts or elements, and it is not whole or fully developed.
|
| uncompleted |
Denotes something that has not been finished, typically used in more formal or technical contexts.
|
| partial |
Used when something is only a part or fraction of a whole, often implying that it is not fully satisfactory or perfect.
|
Examples of usage
- The novel remained unfinished after the author's death.
- Her painting was left unfinished due to lack of time.
- The project is still unfinished and requires more attention.
task
A task or project that has not been completed
Synonyms
incomplete task, pending project.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unfinished |
When speaking about something that is not yet completed but is still in progress, specifically in a tangible form like artwork, writing, or construction.
|
Examples of usage
- The pile of unfinished work on his desk was daunting.
- She had several unfinished tasks to complete before the deadline.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' combined with 'finished,' which comes from the Old French 'finir,' meaning 'to end.'
- The use of 'unfinished' as a term has been common since the early 15th century, indicating something that remains incomplete.
Psychology
- The 'Zeigarnik Effect' explains why unfinished tasks occupy our thoughts more than completed ones, suggesting we are naturally inclined to seek closure.
- People often feel a sense of discomfort or anxiety associated with unfinished projects, which can serve as motivation to conclude them.
Art
- Many famous artworks were left incomplete, such as Leonardo da Vinci's 'Adoration of the Magi,' highlighting the creative process and its unpredictability.
- In literature, unfinished manuscripts, like Franz Kafka's 'The Trial,' can offer unique insights into the author's thought processes and intentions.
Culture
- In cinema, the theme of unfinished business frequently appears, portraying characters striving to complete their former lives or unresolved issues.
- Several musical compositions are notorious for being left incomplete, exemplifying the notion that creativity can be an ongoing journey rather than a final destination.
Science
- Research shows that our brains may work harder to solve problems related to unfinished activities due to their mental prominence.
- In nature, incomplete processes, like the growth of certain plants, exemplify the idea that development is often messy and non-linear.
Translations
Translations of the word "unfinished" in other languages:
🇵🇹 inacabado
🇮🇳 अधूरा
🇩🇪 unvollständig
🇮🇩 belum selesai
🇺🇦 незакінчений
🇵🇱 niedokończony
🇯🇵 未完成
🇫🇷 inachevé
🇪🇸 inacabado
🇹🇷 tamamlanmamış
🇰🇷 미완성의
🇸🇦 غير مكتمل
🇨🇿 nedokončený
🇸🇰 nedokončený
🇨🇳 未完成
🇸🇮 nedokončan
🇮🇸 óklárað
🇰🇿 аяқталмаған
🇬🇪 დაუსრულებელი
🇦🇿 bitməmiş
🇲🇽 inacabado