unheard
Americanadjective
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not heard; not perceived by the ear.
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not given a hearing or audience.
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Archaic. unheard-of.
adjective
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not heard; not perceived by the ear
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not listened to or granted a hearing
his warning went unheard
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archaic unheard-of
Etymology
Origin of unheard
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English unherd. See un- 1, heard ( def. )
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.
“For an officer to go on to become army chief from that point is unheard of…but a combination of fate and events ensured that he did.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
“If I were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature,” he said at the time, “but it wouldn’t be unheard of. And so, no, I don’t fear that.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
This isn’t unheard of: Some universities already have taxable, for-profit arms, whether it’s in real estate development, hospitality or startup incubators.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
While it is not unheard of, it is rare for a Fed chair to remain on as a member of the board after their term as chief expires.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Despite his failure to testify in person, Lawrence’s voice did not otherwise go unheard at the hearing.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
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.
