Unreturned: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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 didn’t mind.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.