unripe

adjective

un·​ripe ˌən-ˈrīp How to pronounce unripe (audio)
1
: not ripe : immature
unripe fruit
2
: not ready : unprepared
unripe plans
unripeness noun

Examples of unripe in a Sentence

Bananas are green when unripe. unripe and unprepared recruits who were sent into battle as cannon fodder
Recent Examples on the Web Thinly sliced unripe papaya is muddled with briny crab and topped with crunchy pork rinds for this extra funky take on the classic Thai salad. The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2024 The skin of an unripe avocado will be hard and green. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 27 Jan. 2024 Get the recipe > Curried Green Mangoes Curries made with unripe or under-ripe mangoes are popular in Jamaica. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024 However, a hard, unripe avocado is best for recipes that call for baking or cooking the avocado. Amy Mitchell, Country Living, 20 Apr. 2022 Usually served as an appetizer, this spicy-sweet salad makes splendid use of crunchy and tart unripe mangoes. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 10 Aug. 2023 Manzano bananas are astringent, chalky, and have a tannic aftertaste when unripe. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Nov. 2023 If all else fails, know that there's nothing unhealthy or unsafe about eating an unripe avocado. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2023 Likewise, unripe tomatoes also contain more tomatine than ripe ones—though still a small amount. Jennifer Nelson, Southern Living, 29 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unripe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unripe was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unripe

Cite this Entry

“Unripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unripe. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unripe

adjective
un·​ripe ˌən-ˈrīp How to pronounce unripe (audio)
ˈən-
: not ripe : immature
unripe fruit

More from Merriam-Webster on unripe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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