unanswered
Britishadjective
Explanation
If something is unanswered, it gets no response, even when one is asked for or expected. So that unanswered text message? It hasn't gotten a reply. An unanswered phone call isn't answered but instead just rings and rings endlessly. An unanswered question hovers there without a response, like when your dad asks, "Who's responsible for this mess?" and none of your siblings says a thing. If you write dozens of letters to your favorite Hollywood star but don't get a reply, those are (sadly) unanswered too.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“While trends are improving, unanswered questions remain on the path to recapturing historical margins while consistently growing same-store sales,” wrote Zackfia, who has a Market Perform rating on the shares.
From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026
The text of the U.S.-Iran agreement has not yet been released, leaving many questions unanswered.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026
Like so many families caught up in the scandal the couple have many unanswered questions.
From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026
The Knicks trailed by 10 points with less than eight minutes left before Brunson scored 10 unanswered points to tie the game at 83-83.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
I got up to go—then sat down again, remembering another unanswered question.
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
