unheard-of

adjective

un·​heard-of ˌən-ˈhərd-ˌəv How to pronounce unheard-of (audio)
-ˌäv
: previously unknown
especially : unprecedented
moving at unheard-of speeds

Examples of unheard-of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Not surprisingly, pricing has skyrocketed to levels unprecedented for this area long overlooked by developers, reaching a hitherto unheard-of $2,200 per square foot. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 Such a diagnosis is not unheard-of, some cancer experts not involved in the king’s care say. Mark Landler, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024 The Commerce panel greenlit the bill led by Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi 50-0 last week, advancing it just two days after its introduction, an unheard-of pace for legislation targeting tech companies. Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 In an almost unheard-of feat of perseverance, the same artist, Don Dudley, 93, has been working out of this loft since 1971. M.h. Miller Miranda Barnes, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 The result is more voluminous lashes that are long-wearing and dramatic—at an unheard-of $5 price point. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2024 His direct criticism of the military was unheard-of in Pakistan. Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2024 In its first season, the operation had an unheard-of 90 percent fly rate. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2024 That’s basically an unheard-of perk for Gen X and younger Americans. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unheard-of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unheard-of was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near unheard-of

Cite this Entry

“Unheard-of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unheard-of. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

unheard-of

adjective
un·​heard-of
-ˌəv,
-ˌäv
: previously unknown : unprecedented
moving at unheard-of speeds

More from Merriam-Webster on unheard-of

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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