unacknowledged

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   not admitted, recognized, or accepted as true or existing

   An unacknowledged conflict of interest weakened confidence in the report.

2. 2
   adj

   not publicly recognized or given credit

   Her unacknowledged contribution shaped the final design.

Formed from un-, 'not,' and acknowledged, the past participle of acknowledge. Acknowledge blends two Middle English verbs related to knowing and recognizing; the adjective describes what has not been admitted, noticed, or credited.

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