# unnamed

/ənˈneɪmd/ (US) · /ʌnnˈeɪmd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unnamed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. anonymous or withheld

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. lacking a name

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something that has not been given a name yet.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The story was told by an unnamed witness.
- An unnamed official from the ministry leaked the documents to the press late last night.
- The donation was made by an unnamed benefactor who insisted that their contribution remain private to avoid any public scrutiny of their personal finances.

---

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.