Unanswered

/ʌnˈænsərd/ adjective

Definition

Not having received a response or reply; remaining without resolution or explanation. Often describes questions, calls, letters, or requests that have been ignored or left unaddressed.

Etymology

Formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'answered,' from Old English andswarian meaning 'to answer, respond.' The concept of unanswered communication has existed as long as humans have sought responses from one another.

Kelly Says

In our hyperconnected world, 'unanswered' has taken on new psychological weight - an unanswered text or email can trigger anxiety in ways that unanswered letters never did. The speed of modern communication has made delayed responses feel like deliberate slights, even when they're simply oversight.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.