Unpostmarked

The adjective 'unpostmarked' describes a piece of mail, usually a letter or postcard, that has not received the official mark or cancellation of a postal service indicating it has been processed and sent. It signifies the absence of a postmark, which typically includes the date, location, and sometimes a unique identifying mark. An unpostmarked item implies it hasn't been officially entered into the postal system and, therefore, hasn't been delivered. It can also relate to items intentionally left unmarked, perhaps for decorative purposes. The condition can indicate a failure to send, a delay in processing, or an intentional withholding of the item from delivery.

Unpostmarked meaning with examples

• The antique postcard, though beautiful, was tragically unpostmarked, depriving historians of any clue as to its original distribution or the date it was intended to be sent. Its silent history frustrated their attempts to piece together the local communications of that era. It was a mystery trapped inside a well-preserved image.
• She found a stack of old love letters, their contents tender and heartfelt. But each page was an unpostmarked secret, the recipient's identity forever hidden. Her heart ached at the lost connection and the uncertainty surrounding the unspoken words that were never sent.
• During the investigation, the police discovered an unpostmarked threatening letter hidden in the suspect's apartment. The absence of a postmark heightened the suspicion, making it impossible to determine where or when the letter was sent. The lack of information added a layer of unease.
• Collecting unpostmarked envelopes became a hobby for the history enthusiast. He appreciated them as they held a raw and unique sense of time, their simplicity a stark contrast to the intricate history of the postal system. The collection offered a unique glimpse into the world.