Word
unfunded
Phoneticsun·fund·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈfəndɪd/
UK/ʌnfˈʌndɪd/
Definition
adj. describing a project, plan, or need that does not have enough money to be completed. You use this when someone has an idea but no one is paying for it yet.
adj. lacking the necessary financial resources or budget to be implemented or maintained. Often used in administrative, governmental, or corporate contexts to describe obligations that exceed current revenue.
Examples
“The city has several unfunded projects on its list.”
“The school board is struggling to manage its unfunded liabilities, which include future pension payments for retired staff.”
“While the initial proposal was ambitious, the committee noted that the project remained unfunded, requiring a significant reallocation of existing capital before any construction could begin.”
Examples
simple
“The city has several unfunded projects on its list.”
contextual
“The school board is struggling to manage its unfunded liabilities, which include future pension payments for retired staff.”
complex
“While the initial proposal was ambitious, the committee noted that the project remained unfunded, requiring a significant reallocation of existing capital before any construction could begin.”
Real-World Examples
“In the right-hand chart of Figure 1 below, we see the economic consequences of high, unfunded government debt.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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