What does unfeathered mean?
“Unfeathered” is an adjective meaning “without feathers” or “having no covering of feathers.” It is most naturally used of birds, particularly chicks that have not yet grown their first feathers, birds that are molting, injured birds, and specimens whose feathers have been removed. In a sentence such as “The nest held three unfeathered chicks,” the word conveys both literal appearance and the vulnerability associated with a young bird. Its meaning is transparent: it combines the prefix un-, meaning “not” or “without,” with feathered. Although “featherless” can serve a similar function, “unfeathered” often highlights a visible state or stage rather than presenting the idea as a general category. The word is therefore especially effective in descriptive writing, where its clear imagery helps readers picture a bird stripped of its feathery covering.
adjectiveHaving no feathers; not covered with feathers. It is most commonly used of birds, especially newly hatched, molting, injured, or plucked birds.
- Lacking feathers or a covering of feathers.
"The nest held three unfeathered chicks, their eyes still barely open."
"The nest held three unfeathered chicks, their eyes still barely open."
"The taxidermist carefully prepared the unfeathered bird before beginning to mount it."
Unfeathered strips the idea of a bird down to its essentials: feathers are gone, and the word leaves no room for fluff.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unfeathered come from?
Unfeathered is an English formation combining un-, meaning “not” or “without,” with feathered. The compound belongs to the early modern English period and is formed transparently from familiar English elements. Its root, feather, derives from Old English feðer; related forms include feathered, feathery, and featherless.
How unfeathered is actually used
Most often used literally and descriptively, especially for newly hatched or molting birds. It can also describe birds whose feathers have been removed. The word has a somewhat vivid, descriptive quality and is less common as a general synonym for featherless.
Easily confused with unfeathered
Unfettered means free from restraints or constraints, whereas unfeathered means lacking feathers.