Unborn

ˌʌnˈbɔːrn

adjectivemediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Not yet brought into life; existing before birth.

ˌʌnˈbɔːrn

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Not yet born or brought into existence.

The doctor closely monitored the unborn baby's development.

💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny baby inside its mommy's tummy. They're not born yet, so they are 'unborn'.

👶 For kids: Not born yet!

More Examples

2

Debates about abortion often revolve around the rights of the unborn.

3

The poem speaks of the unborn generation and their potential.

4

Ultrasound technology allows us to see the unborn child in detail.

How It's Used

Medical

"The unborn child was monitored for signs of distress."

Legal

"The legal rights of the unborn fetus were debated extensively."

Philosophical

"Discussions about the sanctity of life often focus on the unborn."

2

Collectively, those who are not yet born.

ˌʌnˈbɔːrn

nounneutralAdvanced
General

Those who are not yet born.

The foundation dedicated its resources to supporting the unborn and their families.

💡 Simply: It's like thinking about all the babies who haven't been born yet, all of those people are 'unborn'.

👶 For kids: All the babies that haven't been born yet.

More Examples

2

Philosophical debates often center on the rights of the unborn.

3

The ethical implications of medical advances for the unborn are complex.

How It's Used

Literary

"The novel explored the dreams and hopes of the unborn."

Societal

"Protecting the unborn is a primary goal of pro-life advocates."

Tip:Visualize all the future generations, the children who have not yet taken their first breath, who are all 'unborn'.

From Middle English *unborn*, from Old English *unboren* ('not yet born'), equivalent to *un-* + *born*.

The word 'unborn' has been used in various contexts throughout history, from religious texts discussing the soul to scientific literature describing fetal development.

Memory tip

Think of a child still in its mother's womb - they are 'unborn'.

unborne

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written