Unburied

The adjective 'unburied' describes something that has not been interred or entombed, usually after death, implying either that it remains above ground or that the burial process hasn't yet occurred. This can apply literally to a corpse or figuratively to a buried memory or secret that has been unearthed or revealed. It carries a connotation of exposure, whether physical or metaphorical. The state of being unburied often suggests a state of vulnerability or continued relevance, contrasted with the finality and concealment of burial. Its implications hinge on the context—a body awaiting burial versus an unearthed truth.

Unburied meaning with examples

• The victims of the avalanche lay unburied for days, their exposed remains a grim reminder of the disaster's destructive force. Rescue workers desperately searched for survivors, but many faced the harsh reality of confronting unburied bodies as the weather worsened, hampering their efforts and increasing the emotional toll.
• Archaeologists uncovered ancient ruins, finding artifacts and mosaics that had lain unburied for centuries. They carefully documented each find, revealing the vibrant culture of a civilization previously shrouded in historical silence, and piecing together fragments of a forgotten past that was brought to life again.
• After the scandal broke, secrets that the company had hoped to keep unburied suddenly resurfaced, leading to widespread public condemnation and a dramatic drop in stock value. The accusations brought down a host of executive-level management and the corporation struggled for its survival.
• Though the war ended decades ago, the trauma remained unburied within the veterans' psyches, manifesting as nightmares and flashbacks. Therapy and support groups became essential tools in helping to process the pain of living with an unburied and often forgotten past.
• The family was not able to afford a burial and the grief felt by the surviving members would likely never cease. The body of the matriarch, now unburied, lay in state awaiting help that was slow to arrive.