# unread

/ənˈɹɛd/ (US) · /ʌnɹˈɛd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

describing a message, email, or book that you have not yet looked at or finished reading.

For teachers: describing a text or digital message that has not been viewed or completed. Often used in digital contexts to indicate a status of being unopened or unprocessed.

## Examples

- I have several unread emails in my inbox.
- The notification badge shows how many unread messages you have received since the last time you checked the app.
- While the physical library shelves were lined with dusty tomes, the digital archive contained thousands of unread documents that had never been accessed by the public.

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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.