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Synonyms and Related Words for Unidentified

unascertained
unattributed
unclaimed
unclassified
undetermined
unidentifiable
unmarked
unnamed
untagged
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unidentified

Unidentified (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

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What does unidentified mean?

Not recognized, known, or determined.
"The air traffic controllers detected an unidentified aircraft on the radar."

Detailed Meaning of Unidentified

It describes an object, phenomenon, or person whose identity, origin, or nature is not currently established or cannot be easily discerned. When something is unidentified, it means that it has not been positively identified or classified, often leaving it shrouded in mystery or uncertainty. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as unidentified flying objects (UFOs), unidentified species in biology, or unidentified individuals in criminal investigations. The lack of identification or attribution gives rise to curiosity, speculation, and the need for further investigation or research to uncover its true nature or origin.

Example Sentences for Unidentified

1. The hikers stumbled upon an unidentified animal track in the dense forest.
2. The spacecraft detected an unidentified object moving at high speed through the atmosphere.
3. The archaeologists uncovered an unidentified artifact buried beneath the ancient ruins.
4. The police received reports of an unidentified person lurking in the neighborhood.
5. The research team discovered an unidentified species of fish in the deep ocean trenches.
6. The forensic experts were baffled by the presence of unidentified fingerprints at the crime scene.

Origin and Etymology of Unidentified

The adjective 'unidentified' can be deconstructed into its root word, 'identified.' In this term, the prefix 'un-' is used to negate or reverse the quality of being 'identified.' 'Identified' originates from the Latin word 'identificare,' which means 'to make the same' or 'to recognize.' It is a combination of 'idem' (meaning 'the same') and 'facere' (meaning 'to make' or 'to do'). Over time, 'identified' evolved in the English language to describe something that is recognized, known, or determined. Consequently, 'unidentified' signifies the opposite, denoting something that is not recognized, known, or determined, often implying a lack of clarity or information about its identity. Its etymology is deeply rooted in the historical development of 'identified' and the use of 'un-' to convey the reversal of recognition or determination.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding 

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More Usage Examples of Unidentified

1. The astronomers observed an unidentified celestial body with unusual properties.
2. The biologists collected samples of an unidentified plant species in the unexplored rainforest.
3. The museum curator examined an unidentified painting that had been recently donated.
4. The mysterious noise in the old house remained unidentified despite thorough investigation.
5. The explorers stumbled upon an unidentified ancient civilization in the remote mountains.
6. The unidentified caller left a cryptic message on her voicemail.
7. Witnesses reported an unidentified aircraft in the night sky.
8. Scientists discovered an unidentified species in the rainforest.
9. An unidentified odor in the room was causing discomfort.
10. The source of the unidentified noise remained a mystery.
11. Authorities are investigating an unidentified object in the lake.
12. An unidentified creature lurked in the depths of the ocean.
13. The unidentified suspect fled the scene before police arrived.
14. A strange, unidentified symbol appeared on the ancient tablet.
15. The cause of the fire remained unidentified despite investigations.
16. An unidentified plant species thrived in the uncharted territory.
17. Residents reported an unidentified bright light in the sky.
18. The package contained an unidentified, mysterious artifact.
19. Scientists encountered an unidentified substance in the lab.
20. An unidentified illness was spreading through the community.
21. The origins of the unidentified spacecraft puzzled experts.
22. Authorities issued a warning about an unidentified virus outbreak.
23. An unidentified creature's footprints were found in the forest.
24. The unidentified sound echoed through the abandoned building.
25. Researchers are studying an unidentified phenomenon in space.

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