unnamed

Everyday

1. Unnamed means without a name, or whose name is not given. tree →
2. (news) An unnamed person is someone whose name the reporter does not tell, often to protect them. tree →

In the lessons

In news it shows a source or person is kept secret ("an unnamed source said"). In stories it may describe a mysterious stranger or a place without a name. In maths or science, an unnamed point or quantity is one you have not labelled yet. Phrases: «an unnamed source», «an unnamed man», «remain unnamed».

Examples

• An unnamed source told the newspaper about the plan. tree →
• The unnamed boy was only nine years old. tree →
• We sailed past an unnamed island on the map. tree →
• The parent wished to remain unnamed. tree →
• The new kitten was still unnamed after a week. tree →
• Label the unnamed angle "x". tree →
• An unnamed shop owner called the police. tree →

Note

Adjective: un- (not) + named. Usually before a noun («an unnamed source») or after «remain/stay/be». Trap: news stories with only unnamed sources are harder to check; a careful reader treats them with care. Close word: «nameless» (more for things that cannot or should not be named).