Unidentified
ˌʌn.aɪˈden.tɪ.faɪd
Definitions
Not recognized or able to be recognized; unknown.
ˌʌn.aɪˈden.tɪ.faɪd
Not recognized or able to be recognized.
The authorities have launched an investigation into an unidentified flying object (UFO).
💡 Simply: Imagine you saw something weird but couldn't tell what it was. Like a blurry photo or a stranger in a crowd. That's unidentified!
👶 For kids: When you don't know what something is or who someone is.
More Examples
The body was discovered with no means of identification, so it remains unidentified.
Several of the plants in the garden are unidentified, as the labels have been washed away by the rain.
How It's Used
"The police are investigating an unidentified object."
"Scientists are studying an unidentified species of bacteria."
"Authorities are still working to identify the victims of the disaster."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From 'un-' (not) + 'identified' (past participle of 'identify'), which comes from Late Latin 'identificare' (to identify), from Latin 'idem' (the same).
The word 'unidentified' gained prominence in the 20th century with the rise of aviation and the exploration of unidentified phenomena, such as UFOs. It was previously used but its contemporary usage increased dramatically.
Memory tip
Think of an object covered in a blanket – you cannot identify it until you remove the blanket.
Word Origin
"To recognize or establish the identity of."