adjective
unabridged
un-uh-BRIJD
Unabridged (adjective) means Complete, with nothing cut out or shortened, especially of a book, recording or dictionary. Example: “The unabridged audiobook runs to thirty-two hours.”
adjective
1
Complete, with nothing cut out or shortened, especially of a book, recording or dictionary.
"The unabridged audiobook runs to thirty-two hours."
"She insisted on the unabridged edition, footnotes and all."
2
Given in full, without anything left out or softened.
"He gave the committee the unabridged version of what happened that night."
How to use unabridged
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe full version, with nothing cut out.
When to use it
Neutral; most commonly seen on book covers, audiobook listings and dictionary titles.
Memory tip
'Unexpurgated' is close but not identical: it means nothing offensive has been removed, whereas unabridged means nothing at all has been removed.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
unabridged edition
unabridged audiobook
unabridged dictionary
unabridged text
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The _____ audiobook runs to thirty-two hours.
Etymology
From un- 'not' plus abridged, which came through Old French from Latin abbreviare 'to shorten'.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between abridged and unabridged?
An abridged version has been deliberately shortened, with passages cut to save time or space. An unabridged version contains the complete original text. Abridged audiobooks are quicker but leave material out; unabridged ones give you every word.
What is an unabridged dictionary?
It is a dictionary that aims to include the entire recorded vocabulary of a language rather than a selection of it, such as the Oxford English Dictionary or Webster's Third New International. Desk and pocket dictionaries are abridged by design.
Is unabridged always better?
It is more faithful, but not always more useful. An unabridged nineteenth-century novel gives you the author's real work, while an abridged edition may suit a child, a learner or a long drive better.
What is the meaning of unabridged?
"unabridged" (adjective) means complete, with nothing cut out or shortened, especially of a book, recording or dictionary.
