What does unanswered mean?
Unanswered describes something that has not received a reply or response, especially a question, request, message, or telephone call. In everyday use, it often implies that someone has failed to provide information, make a decision, or acknowledge an attempt at communication. For example, a question can remain unanswered during an interview, while an unanswered call may mean that the recipient was unavailable or did not respond. The word is neutral rather than accusatory: it describes the absence of an answer without necessarily stating why the answer was not given. Because the prefix un- clearly reverses the meaning of answered, the term is easy to understand and useful when discussing silence, communication, uncertainty, and unresolved issues. It can suggest persistence, especially when applied to questions that have been ignored or deliberately avoided.
adjectiveNot answered, replied to, or otherwise given a response. It is commonly used of questions, messages, phone calls, and other requests for information.
- Not answered or replied to, especially a question or request.
- Not picked up or returned, especially a phone call or message.
"After several minutes of silence, she realized that her question would remain unanswered."
"The committee left several important questions unanswered."
"She missed an unanswered call from her brother."
An unanswered question can outlast the conversation that created it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How unanswered is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is common in both spoken and written English. It usually suggests a lack of response rather than a deliberate refusal to reply.
Easily confused with unanswered
An unanswered question or message has not received a reply, whereas an unaddressed item may simply have no destination or not have been dealt with.