unheard-of

adjective

previously unknown

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a first novel by an unheard of writer

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developments on an unheard-of scale

• Similar to: ↑unknown

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adj

1 UNTHINKABLE, inconceivable, unbelievable, unimaginable, undreamed-of, unprecedented, extraordinary, exceptional, unacceptable, offensive, shocking, outrageous, preposterous

2 UNKNOWN, unfamiliar, new, unusual, obscure, unsung, unheralded, undiscovered

≠ 1 normal, acceptable 2 famous

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[adjective]

1. unprecedented, inconceivable, new, novel, singular, unique

2. shocking, disgraceful, outrageous, preposterous

3. obscure, unfamiliar, unknown

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\\ˌ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ adjective

Etymology: un- (I) + heard of, past participle form of the phrase hear of, from hear (I) + of

: previously unknown : new, unprecedented

a first novel by an unheard-of writer

amphibious operations … would soon by necessary on an unheard-of scale — J.P.Baxter b. 1893

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/un herrd"uv', -ov', -euhv/, adj.

1. that was never heard of; unknown: an unheard-of artist.

2. such as was never known before; unprecedented: an unheard-of salary.

3. shocking or outrageous: unheard-of conduct.

[1585-95]

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unheard-of UK US adjective

something that is unheard-of is very unusual or has never happened before

This was an unheard-of piece of luck.

Thesaurus: unusual in an interesting way_synonym

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unheard-of [unheard-of] [ʌnˈhɜːd ɒv] [ʌnˈhɜːrd ʌv] adjective

that has never been known or done; very unusual

•

He'd dyed his hair, which was almost unheard-of in the 1960s.

•

It is almost unheard-of for a new band to be offered such a deal.

 

Example Bank:

•

At that time, it was completely unheard-of for girls to go to university.

•

He was sentenced to a hitherto unheard-of seven life terms in prison.