Word
unnamed
Phoneticsun·named, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈneɪmd/
UK/ʌnnˈeɪmd/
Definitions
01anonymous or withheld
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic · Formal
adj. used when you do not want to say the name of a person or group, often to protect them.
adj. referring to a person or entity whose identity is known to the speaker or writer but is intentionally withheld from the audience.
“An unnamed source at the company told the newspaper about the secret plans.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02lacking a name
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes something that has not been given a name yet.
adj. lacking a formal name or designation; often used for geographical features or newly discovered objects.
“The hikers followed an unnamed path that led deep into the forest.”
“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.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“An unnamed lawyer from the Spanish parliament told El Independiente that "royal decree-laws must have a single purpose.” “Epstein appears to have asked an unnamed individual to buy a Snow White costume weeks before those exchanges, on 20 June 2010.” Etymology
From un- + named.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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