unframed

IPA/ˌʌnˈfreɪmd/
IPA/ˌʌnˈfreɪmd/

unframed — adjective

  • unframedpositive
  • more unframedcomparative
  • most unframedsuperlative

1. Used for a picture, mirror, certificate, or similar object that is kept or shown

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

Used for a picture, mirror, certificate, or similar object that is kept or shown without any frame around it.

Example

Astrid leaned the unframed print against the wall above her desk.

attributive: unframed + print noun

The gallery displayed Samir's unframed charcoal sketch beside two oil paintings.

Common collocations
  • unframed print
  • unframed photo
  • unframed mirror
  • remain unframed
  • display something unframed
Synonyms
  • frameless

    closest in meaning; common in product and design descriptions

  • bare

    broader word for lacking a covering or decoration; less precise for pictures and mirrors

Antonyms
  • framed

    the direct opposite; placed inside a frame

Grammar Patterns

unframed + picture/photo/print

be/remain unframed

hang/display + object + unframed

Usage Note

Usually used for pictures, mirrors, certificates, and similar objects that could be put into a frame later. It sounds less natural for objects that are not normally displayed with a surrounding border.

Common Mistakes

The artist left the portrait unframed because the face was not finished.
The artist left the portrait unfinished because the face was not finished.
'Unframed' only means there is no frame around the picture; it does not mean the artwork itself is incomplete.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Frameless is the closest word to unframed and is especially common in shop descriptions for mirrors, prints, or signs. Unframed is often used when you are thinking about an object that could be put into a frame later but has not been yet. Mounted is different: a print can be mounted on board and still be unframed. Unfinished is different again, because it means the work itself is not complete, not that it lacks a border. Bare is broader and can describe many things without covering or decoration. You might buy a frameless bathroom mirror, but keep a family photo unframed until you choose the right frame.

framelessmounted ↗unfinished ↗bare ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • leave something unframed
  • remain unframed
  • display something unframed

Etymology

English

Built in English from the negative prefix un- and framed, meaning 'put into a frame'. The word keeps its literal idea: a picture, mirror, or similar object is unframed when no surrounding frame has been added to it.

First known use

1718

1718, in the meaning defined above