UN- Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

un-

a prefix meaning “not,” freely used as an English formative, giving negative or opposite force in adjectives and their derivative adverbs and nouns ( unfair; unfairly; unfairness; unfelt; unseen; unfitting; unformed; unheard-of; un-get-at-able ), and less freely used in certain other nouns ( unrest; unemployment ).

un-

a prefix freely used in English to form verbs expressing a reversal of some action or state, or removal, deprivation, release, etc. ( unbend; uncork; unfasten , etc.), or to intensify the force of a verb already having such a meaning ( unloose ).

or 'un

[ uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

pronoun

Dialect.

one:
young uns; He's a bad un.

⁴

or U.N.

abbreviation for

United Nations ( def 1 ).

abbreviation for

United Nations

'un

/ ə�� /

pronoun

a spelling of one
that's a big 'un

un-

prefix

freely used with adjectives, participles, and their derivative adverbs and nouns: less frequently used with certain other nouns not; contrary to; opposite of
untidiness
uncertain
unrest
unbelief
unemotionally
uncomplaining
untruth

un-

⁴

prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives

denoting reversal of an action or state
uncover
untangle
denoting removal from, release, or deprivation
unharness
unthrone
unman
(intensifier)
unloose

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Usage

This spelling is intended to reflect a dialectal or informal pronunciation

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of un-¹

Middle English un-, on-, Old English; cognate with Dutch on-, Gothic, German un-, Old Norse ū-, ō-; akin to Latin in-, Greek an-, a-. See a- ⁶, an- ¹, in- ³

Origin of un-²

Middle English, Old English un-, on-; cognate with Gothic and-, Dutch ont-, German ent-; akin to Latin ante, Greek ��Գ�í; ante-, anti-

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of un-¹

from Old English on-, un-; related to Gothic on-, German un-, Latin in-

Origin of un-²

from Old English un-, on-; related to Gothic and-, German ent-, Latin ante

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Synonym Study

See in- ³.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

After Vladimir Putin had proposed replacing President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration with "external governance" in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, President Trump made it known that he was "angry" with Putin.

From

At one point Washington voted with Moscow against a UN resolution that identified Russia as the "aggressor" in Russia's war against Ukraine.

From

Ten groups have been singled out - including Doctors Without Borders, the UN refugee agency, and Norwegian Refugee Council.

From

His 25% tariffs on cars and steel have dealt Seoul, and its ailing economy, an early a blow, but many believe worse is coming; that it is only time until Mr Trump turns his gaze to the Korean peninsula, and when he does he will try to force South Korea to pay more for its defence and cut a deal with Seoul's arch enemy, Kim Jong Un.

From

The Prince of Wales' Earthshot Prize will be held in Brazil later this year, Kensington Palace has announced, in the same month the country hosts the COP30 UN climate change conference.

From

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