unfinished

The word “unfinished” means not completed; still in progress. In plain terms, not yet completed, or (for materials) not yet given a final surface treatment.

“Unfinished” is pronounced uhn-FIH-nihsht (/ʌnˈfɪnɪʃt/ in IPA).

Here is “unfinished” used in a sentence: “He left the novel unfinished when he died.”

“Unfinished” is an adjective.

“Unfinished” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Unfinished” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not completed; still in progress.

Unfinished and incomplete both describe something not fully done, but unfinished is more often used for physical objects or works still in progress, such as an unfinished painting. Incomplete is broader and can describe missing parts in data, sets, or information as well as physical work.

When describing wood or a surface, unfinished means it has not been sanded, painted, coated, or otherwise treated. Unfinished furniture is typically sold in its raw wood state so buyers can stain or paint it themselves.

Unfinished specifically refers to something not having received a final treatment or completion, such as unfinished wood lacking a coating. Raw more broadly describes material in its natural, unprocessed state, which may never have been intended for finishing at all.