What does "unnamed" mean?

1. (anonymous or withheld) used when you do not want to say the name of a person or group, often to protect them. 2. (lacking a name) describes something that has not been given a name yet.

How do you use "unnamed"?

Often used in journalism and formal reports to protect the identity of whistleblowers or witnesses. Usually placed before the noun it describes.

unnamed

adj.

US //ənˈneɪmd// UK //ʌnnˈeɪmd// un·named

1 anonymous or withheld (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formal

used when you do not want to say the name of a person or group, often to protect them.

referring to a person or entity whose identity is known to the speaker or writer but is intentionally withheld from the audience.

Example

An unnamed source at the company told the newspaper about the secret plans.

Example

The report cited several unnamed officials who claimed that the policy had been drafted without proper legal consultation.

Usage

Often used in journalism and formal reports to protect the identity of whistleblowers or witnesses.
- named
- identified
2 lacking a name (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describes something that has not been given a name yet.

lacking a formal name or designation; often used for geographical features or newly discovered objects.

Example

The hikers followed an unnamed path that led deep into the forest.

Example

Astronomers recently discovered an unnamed planet orbiting a star in a distant galaxy, currently identified only by a serial number.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- nameless
- untitled
- named
- christened

Origin

From un- + named.