Unwholly

The word 'unwholly' describes something that is not completely or entirely whole; it signifies a lack of completeness or integrity. It suggests a condition of being partially deficient, flawed, or fragmented, rather than a fully integrated or unified state. It implies that something possesses a characteristic, quality or part that is compromised, defective, or missing in some measure, potentially rendering it imperfect or incomplete in its nature or function. This state could be physical, moral, emotional, or conceptual. The 'un-' prefix denotes negation or absence, emphasizing the deviation from a complete or perfect whole. A thing described as 'unwholly' therefore doesn't fully meet expectations of wholeness, soundness, or comprehensiveness.

Unwholly meaning with examples

• The antique vase, though beautiful, was described as unwholly after a significant crack appeared. It was still stunning, but its structural integrity was compromised. The owner hesitated to repair it, embracing its imperfect beauty. Despite the crack, it still served as a captivating display piece, but its unwholly state reduced its original value.
• The new business venture, initially successful, had an unwholly structure; the lack of transparency and accountability within the leadership was already starting to undermine employee morale. Despite the initial profits, this inherent flaw was predicted by many to lead to future difficulties. The incomplete nature of this structure made it vulnerable.
• The artist presented an unwholly narrative for their masterpiece, and critics described it as a series of unrelated moments and images. Though aesthetically interesting, its lack of a cohesive plot made the full potential of their artistic talent feel lost. The critics described the work as lacking overall coherence, something incomplete.
• The detective’s understanding of the crime was unwholly; he knew the who and the how, but the 'why' was shrouded in mystery. His investigation, hampered by missing evidence, left crucial elements unresolved and questions unanswered. Though he made headway, this unwholly foundation of knowledge threatened to undermine the integrity of the case.