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Unreturned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜”
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unreturned

[หŒษ™n.rษชหˆtษœหrnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not given or sent back. Not reciprocated or repaid.

Synonyms

unacknowledged, unanswered, unreciprocated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unreturned

Use this word when something that was given or lent is not given back. This could be used for physical items like a book or an emotional action like affection.

  • The library has several unreturned books listed on its website.
  • His love for her remained unreturned for many years.
unreciprocated

Use this word when feelings or actions, often emotional, are not returned in kind by the other party. This often has a negative or painful connotation.

  • Her unreciprocated feelings for him left her heartbroken.
  • His generosity was unreciprocated, but he didnโ€™t mind.
unanswered

This is typically used to describe questions, messages, or calls that do not get a response.

  • His calls to customer service went unanswered for hours.
  • She was left with many unanswered questions after the meeting.
unacknowledged

This is best used when efforts, messages, or actions are not noticed or recognized by others.

  • Her hard work at the office often goes unacknowledged.
  • He felt hurt when his message went unacknowledged.

Examples of usage

  • He felt hurt by her unreturned affection.
  • The unreturned phone calls left him feeling ignored.
  • The unreturned favor made him question their friendship.
Context #2 | Noun

postal service

Mail that has not been delivered back to the sender.

Synonyms

returned to sender, undelivered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unreturned

Same as the first entry for 'unreturned', often referring to items that have not been given back.

  • Her calls went unreturned all week.
  • The borrowed book is still unreturned.
undelivered

Use this when mail, packages, messages, or promises have not reached their intended destination or have not been completed. It implies a failure to deliver.

  • The letter remained undelivered due to a wrong address.
  • His promise of a new policy remained undelivered.
returned to sender

This phrase is used specifically for mail or packages that cannot be delivered to the recipient and are sent back to the original sender.

  • The package was returned to sender because the address was incorrect.
  • Due to the recipient's move, the letter was returned to sender.

Examples of usage

  • The unreturned mail was likely lost in transit.
  • She was waiting anxiously for the unreturned package.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'unreturned'

The word 'unreturned' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'return' meaning 'to come or go back to a place or person'. The concept of something being unreturned can evoke feelings of disappointment, neglect, or unreciprocated actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,636, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.