Word
unrealized
Phoneticsun·re·al·ized, stress on the second syllable
/ənˈɹiəˌɫaɪzd/
Definition
adj. not yet made real or collected. You use it for profits or plans that exist on paper but have not happened yet.
adj. not yet achieved, fulfilled, or converted into cash or other concrete form. Typically describes paper gains or losses on investments that have changed in value but have not been sold.
Examples
“They have a lot of unrealized plans for the house.”
“The investor has an unrealized gain of two thousand dollars because her shares rose but she has not sold them.”
“Much of the startup's valuation rested on unrealized potential, a promise of future revenue that excited backers even though the company had yet to turn a profit.”
Examples
simple
“They have a lot of unrealized plans for the house.”
contextual
“The investor has an unrealized gain of two thousand dollars because her shares rose but she has not sold them.”
complex
“Much of the startup's valuation rested on unrealized potential, a promise of future revenue that excited backers even though the company had yet to turn a profit.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unrealized” in context.
Verb
01. carry as unrealized
“The holdings are carried as unrealized on the balance sheet.”
verb + prep + adj
02. go unrealized
“Without marketing support, good ideas often go unrealized.”
verb + adj
03. hold as unrealized
“Investors often hold profits as unrealized to defer tax liability.”
verb + prep + adj
04. leave unrealized
“Delays left much of the plan's value unrealized for years.”
verb + adj
05. remain unrealized
“Many approved infrastructure projects remain unrealized due to funding cuts.”
verb + adj
06. report as unrealized
“Gains are reported as unrealized until the assets are actually sold.”
verb + prep + adj
07. stay unrealized
“Without follow-up investment, those paper profits will stay unrealized.”
verb + adj
08. an unrealized ambition to expand
“The merger was an unrealized ambition to expand into Asia.”
09. leave potential largely unrealized
“Poor coaching can leave young talent's potential largely unrealized.”
10. offset unrealized losses against gains
“Investors can offset unrealized losses against gains for tax purposes.”
11. remain largely unrealized on paper
“Despite forecasts, profits remain largely unrealized on paper.”
12. report an unrealized gain on
“The fund reported an unrealized gain on its tech portfolio last quarter.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often pairs with 'gain', 'loss', 'profit', 'potential', or 'dream'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/unrealized