What does "unfinished" mean?

1. (not complete) describing a task or piece of work that is not yet done. 2. (without a final coating) describing a surface, like wood, that has not been painted or polished.

unfinished

adj.

US //ənˈfɪnɪʃt// UK //ʌnfˈɪnɪʃt// un·fin·ished

1 not complete (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

describing a task or piece of work that is not yet done.

referring to a task, project, or piece of work that has been started but not brought to a conclusion.

Example

I have some unfinished business to take care of before I can leave.

Example

The author left behind several unfinished manuscripts that were eventually edited and published by his estate years after his death.
- incomplete
- ongoing
2 without a final coating (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describing a surface, like wood, that has not been painted or polished.

referring to a material or object that lacks a final protective or decorative coating such as varnish, paint, or polish.

Example

The unfinished wooden table looked very natural in the garden.

Example

The architect specified unfinished concrete for the interior walls to achieve a raw, industrial aesthetic throughout the building.
- polished
- treated
- varnished

Origin

From un- + finished.