Unarticulated

The adjective 'unarticulated' describes something that is not clearly or coherently expressed, especially in speech or writing. It can refer to thoughts, feelings, or ideas that are vague, indistinct, and lack the structure necessary for effective communication. This lack of articulation can stem from a variety of sources, including a lack of clarity in the speaker's own understanding, a difficulty in translating internal concepts into language, or a conscious choice to avoid precision or detail. An unarticulated thought can be a nascent idea, a half-formed impression, or a complex feeling that defies easy description. Similarly, unarticulated desires might be felt strongly, but the specific objects of those desires remain undefined or unclear. The term highlights the gap between an internal state and its outward manifestation.

Unarticulated meaning with examples

• During the therapy session, the patient struggled to articulate her feelings about her childhood, leaving many of her emotional wounds unarticulated. These raw and difficult experiences, while palpably present, remained beyond the reach of language, creating a barrier to understanding and healing. The therapist gently probed, hoping to coax a clearer expression of the suppressed trauma and help bridge the gap between the internal and external realities.
• The artist's early sketches conveyed a sense of raw potential, showcasing unarticulated forms that suggested future masterpieces. Before the refinement that would later be seen, the drawings captured the essence of pure feeling before the forms took their final shape. While lacking the precision of finished works, the drawings revealed a profound understanding of form, light, and shadow, indicating a wealth of unspoken knowledge.
• In the beginning of the meeting, the CEO's vision for the company was largely unarticulated, relying on a series of vague pronouncements and broad gestures. No one in the room understood the CEO's plans, and no real direction was created from his lack of a structured plan. This ambiguity created confusion and frustration among the executive team, preventing them from taking decisive action or formulating a cohesive strategy for the future.
• The novel was praised for its evocative prose but criticized for its unarticulated themes, which left readers struggling to grasp the author's central message. The main message of the book was not directly told. While the language was beautiful, the lack of explicit exposition hampered the readers ability to engage with the deeper meanings that the writer intended to convey. The result was a fragmented, less-than-satisfying reading experience.
• The child's frustration was evident in his unarticulated cries and frantic gestures, as he struggled to communicate his need. Because of his age, the child was not yet able to communicate his need through speech and language. He used actions, such as pointing or yelling, to show those around him what was wanted. His parents, through familiarity, gradually began to recognize the meaning behind each different gesture.