# unfunded

/ənˈfəndɪd/ (US) · /ʌnfˈʌndɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unfunded
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.