1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE after verb, oft ADJECTIVE noun]
If you say that a person or their words go unheard, you are expressing criticism because someone refuses to pay attention to what is said or take it into consideration.
[written, disapproval]
His impassioned pleas went unheard.
She had not waited for any explanation but had condemned him unheard.
2. adjective
If you describe spoken comments or pieces of music as unheard, you mean that most people are not familiar with them because they have not been expressed or performed in public.
A vast treasure-trove of virtually unheard melody awaits discovery by this new audience.
...a country where social criticism was largely unheard until this year.
...a previously unheard piece by Ottawa composer Deirdre Piper.
3. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If someone's words or cries go unheard, nobody can hear them, or a particular person cannot hear them.
[written]
Martin's weak cries for help went unheard until 6.40pm yesterday.
unheard in British English
(ʌnˈhɜːd)
adjective
1.
not heard; not perceived by the ear
2.
not listened to or granted a hearing
his warning went unheard
3. archaic
unheard-of
unheard in American English
(ʌnˈhɜrd)
adjective
1.
not heard; not perceived by the ear
2.
not given a hearing
3. Obsolete
unheard-of
Examples of 'unheard' in a sentence
unheard
We must not let that cry go unheard.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
This was virtually unheard of from a woman of her upbringing and her family were horrified.
The Sun (2010)
Now brands that were unheard of a year ago are booming.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Now intellectuals fail in their duties or go unheard.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Few devices offer internet access and video watching is virtually unheard of.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It would have been unheard of a year ago.
The Sun (2013)
Nearly a quarter said that their suggestions to improve company performance had gone unheard.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
And leaving hospital the same day as giving birth is virtually unheard of.
The Sun (2014)
Any voices of restraint in his inner circle go largely unheard.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Abuse of teachers was virtually unheard of.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
But now three pioneering German producers are taking it in an unheard of new direction.
The Sun (2011)
The successful industries of today were unheard of 30 years ago.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The Spanish language has gone largely unheard in the majority of opera houses worldwide.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Red deer stags are numerous in the area, although attacks on humans are virtually unheard of.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Many other problems that were largely unheard of ten years ago, have become pressing international concerns.
Randolph, Theron G. & Moss, Ralph W. (contributor) An Alternative Approach to Allergies (1990)
No fact was too small to be overlooked, and no obscure record would go unheard.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Here, the concept is virtually unheard of.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It's the tool of social change used by those who feel that their grievance is going unheard.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Some of the fees were virtually unheard of five years ago, suggesting they are being used to boost margins rather than cover costs.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Maybe the sermon I prepared and delivered with such anticipation went largely unheard.
Christianity Today (2000)
In the US these artists were largely unheard and unknown.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It's virtually unheard of for a horse to have a year off with a serious leg injury and come back as good as new.
The Sun (2008)
But the biggest impact was on two people whose names didn't appear on any ballot and who were practically unheard of four years ago.