adjective
Uncommon
unnamed
uhn-NAYMD
Unnamed (adjective) means not given a name. Example: “The baby remained unnamed for three days while the parents argued over choices.”
adjective
1
Not given a name.
"The baby remained unnamed for three days while the parents argued over choices."
"Police found an unnamed hiker's campsite abandoned near the trailhead."
2
Not identified or specified.
"The report cited an unnamed source inside the company."
"An unnamed donor covered the cost of the new library wing."
How to use unnamed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout a name, or without saying who or what something is.
Common pairings
unnamed source
unnamed donor
remain unnamed
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unnamed.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The baby remained _____ for three days while the parents argued over choices.
Etymology
From un- (\"not\") plus named.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unnamed
See all rhymes for unnamed →Frequently asked questions
What does “unnamed” mean?
The word “unnamed” means not given a name. In plain terms, without a name, or without saying who or what something is.
How do you pronounce “unnamed”?
“Unnamed” is pronounced uhn-NAYMD (/ˌʌnˈneɪmd/ in IPA).
How do you use “unnamed” in a sentence?
Here is “unnamed” used in a sentence: “The baby remained unnamed for three days while the parents argued over choices.”
What is another word for “unnamed”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unnamed” include anonymous, innominate, nameless, unidentified, unknown and unspecified.
What is the opposite of “unnamed”?
The opposite of “unnamed” — its antonyms — is named.
What part of speech is “unnamed”?
“Unnamed” is an adjective.
Is “unnamed” a common word?
“Unnamed” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “unnamed” have?
“Unnamed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not given a name.
What is the difference between unnamed and anonymous?
Unnamed simply means a name has not been given or stated, often for privacy or because it is not yet relevant, such as an unnamed source in a news article. Anonymous more strongly implies the identity is deliberately concealed and unknown to the audience.
Why do journalists refer to 'unnamed sources'?
Journalists use 'unnamed sources' to protect the identity of people who provide information but do not want to be publicly credited, often for safety or professional reasons. The term signals that a source exists and contributed information, even though their name is withheld.
Can unnamed describe things as well as people?
Yes, unnamed can describe objects, places, conditions, or entities that have not been given a specific name or label, such as an unnamed disease or an unnamed village. It is not limited to describing people.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include unnamed:
