unappreciated

British  

/ ˌʌnəˈpriːʃɪˌeɪtɪd, -sɪ- /

adjective

1. not given or shown thanks or gratitude

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unappreciative
  adjective

Explanation

Knowing that "un-" means "not," you can probably figure out that someone who is unappreciated is someone whose value is not recognized or rewarded. We all feel unappreciated at times, but feeling that way might help us appreciate others. The adjective unappreciated took shape in the mid-19th century. It evolved from the Latin appretiāre, "to set a value on something." The word unappreciated can refer to anything that does not receive full credit, either positive or negative. For example, we might say that the possibilities of disaster due to global warming are still unappreciated by most people.

Example Sentences

What Mr. Yergin highlights, how the world’s supply of fuel is much more diversified than it was during the energy crises of the 1970s, is often an unappreciated point today.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The show was "not cool" in the 1980s and 1990s and was dismissed as unappreciated kitsch in the West when eastern European countries joined, Jordan said.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Anyone who’s ever felt like an oddball or unappreciated genius will identify with the misfit Mitchells and their pet Monchi, who appears to be more goblin than dog.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

Theo likes to take pictures of species that are not considered beautiful or important, to highlight their unappreciated significance.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2024

I was busy feeling sorry for my unappreciated heroics and myself in general and didn’t see Rose there until she briefly took my hand.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline