unanswered

UK: ʌnˈɑːnsəd | US: ʌnˈænsərd

Definition

  1. adj. not replied to or resolved

  2. adj. ignored or disregarded

Structure
un <not>answer <reply>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "unanswered" combines the negative prefix "un-" (from Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the root "answer" (from Old English "andswaru," meaning "a reply") and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The logical progression reflects something that has "not been replied to" or "not received a response." Over time, it also gained the figurative sense of being ignored or left unresolved.

Examples

  1. Her question remained unanswered for days.

  2. The letter was left unanswered on his desk.

  3. Many prayers go unanswered in times of crisis.

  4. The mystery of the missing artifact is still unanswered.

  5. He felt hurt by her unanswered messages.