WordGarden.iounnamed
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnnˈeɪmd/
US
- /ənˈneɪmd/
Meanings
Adjective
not given or identified by a name
Beyond the definition
"Unnamed" describes a person, place, or thing that does not have a known, given, or shared name. Think of a character in a story who is simply called "the old woman," or a road on a map with no label. It often gives a feeling of mystery or anonymity. A reporter might quote an unnamed source, and a writer might use an unnamed narrator to build suspense. Sometimes something stays unnamed because no one knows the name yet, and sometimes the name is left out on purpose.
Imagine walking through a busy city, passing countless faces. Most of them have names, of course, but to you they remain unknown. That is the heart of this word: it describes someone or something whose name is not known, not given, or not mentioned. It does not always suggest secrecy. Sometimes a thing is simply not named yet. A newly discovered species of flower, for example, might be called "an unnamed variety" until scientists give it an official name.
It can also suggest anonymity, where the name is deliberately hidden or left out. An unnamed source in a news report may provide important information without being identified. In stories, writers sometimes use unnamed characters so the reader focuses less on one identity and more on the role, mood, or idea the character carries. An unnamed narrator, for instance, can make a story feel more universal or more mysterious.
The context matters. An unnamed road on a map suggests a small path without an official label. An unnamed fear suggests a feeling that is real but hard to define. The word can also sound poetic, as in an unnamed longing or an unnamed sadness, where the feeling is present even if it cannot be clearly put into words.
So when you encounter "unnamed," think about why the name is missing. It may be unknown, intentionally hidden, not important to mention, or simply still waiting to be given.
Examples
- 1
News source
The story was based on comments from an unnamed source at the bank.
- 2
Privacy request
One of the nurses agreed to speak only if she could remain unnamed.
- Phraseremain unnamed
not have your name made public
- 3
Donation
The museum received a large gift from an unnamed donor.
- 4
Court papers
In the court papers, two unnamed employees said they had warned managers about the problem.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Map labels
Several small islands were still unnamed on the old map.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- untitled
- uncredited
- unspecified
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unnamed source
- unnamed official
- remain unnamed
- as-yet unnamed
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unnamedadjective