Word
unsung
Phoneticsun·sung, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈsəŋ/
UK/ʌnsˈʌŋ/
Definition
adj. describing someone who has done great work but has not received any public praise or recognition.
adj. describing a person or thing that has performed a significant role or achieved notable success without receiving public acclaim or acknowledgment.
Examples
“The unsung heroes of the team worked late to finish the project.”
“While the lead actor received all the awards, the unsung heroes of the film were the special effects team.”
“History often overlooks the unsung contributions of the support staff, whose tireless efforts are essential to the success of any major scientific expedition.”
Examples
simple
“The unsung heroes of the team worked late to finish the project.”
contextual
“While the lead actor received all the awards, the unsung heroes of the film were the special effects team.”
complex
“History often overlooks the unsung contributions of the support staff, whose tireless efforts are essential to the success of any major scientific expedition.”
Real-World Examples
“And Hearts of Gold, which was inspired by Winton, shone a light on members of the public who had done good deeds, seeking out numerous unsung heroes.” “A 2,000-year-old craft, typically woven in fine muslin and of Bengali origin, it’s somewhat an unsung hero.” Etymology
From un- + sung.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. unsung hero
- 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/unsung