unfinished list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfinished list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a list that has not been completed or is still in progress. Example: "I have an unfinished list of tasks that I need to complete by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That unfinished list is already depressingly long.The EU is not free of troubles either.

The Economist

In fact, Patti said, he'd just added to what he called his "unfinished list": he was selling some old Nintendo games on eBay in order to buy a PlayStation 2 console.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

From an unfinished wine list, we have a couple of glasses of Montepulciano that do the job, but I want to go back when what I'm told will be a comprehensive array of Italy's best wines are available.

Independent

Progressive politicians nationwide can learn from Corzine's long, unfinished wish-list: Passion and promises are not enough.

Huffington Post

The list of unfinished business here is long.

The New York Times

And the list of unfinished business — an oil law, the future of Kirkuk — goes on.

The New York Times

The list of unfinished business is long, but voter impatience could force more action in the fall.

The New York Times

So they decided instead to add Empire Zones to the growing list of unfinished business in Albany.

The New York Times

The time wasted debating a balanced budget amendment would be better spent taking care of the House's long list of unfinished business, such as passing appropriations bills.

The Economist

Monopoly can be high on the list of unfinished games, but Hasbro has tried to combat this by making Empire last around 30 minutes.

The Guardian - Money

On that assumption, Mr. Blix will begin naming a core staff for the commission, the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, and prepare a list of unfinished business in Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "unfinished list", be specific about what the list pertains to. For example, "unfinished grocery list" or "unfinished project list" provides more context.

Common error

While an "unfinished list" often suggests tasks needing completion, avoid assuming immediate urgency. The list might be intentionally paused or awaiting further information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfinished list" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'unfinished' modifies 'list'. It describes a list that is not yet complete. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfinished list" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to denote a list that has not yet reached completion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively infrequent in occurrence, it maintains a neutral register and effectively conveys the state of incompleteness. Consider related phrases like "incomplete list" or "outstanding items" for contextual variation. Ensure clarity by specifying the subject matter of the list. Avoid assumptions regarding the urgency of the "unfinished list"; its completion status may be pending or deliberately paused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfinished agenda

Focuses on a schedule or plan that has not been completed.

unfulfilled checklist

Checklist is just another term for list, thus the close meaning.

incomplete inventory

Replaces 'list' with 'inventory', implying a collection of items that is not fully accounted for.

incomplete catalog

Catalog is another valid word to use, indicating a compilation that lacks finality.

pending tasks

Focuses on actions that remain to be done, rather than a static list.

outstanding items

Highlights that certain things are still due or needing attention.

uncompleted agenda

Emphasizes a schedule or plan that has not been fully executed.

partial record

Suggests that the list is only a segment of the whole, not fully representing all items.

unresolved matters

Shifts the focus to issues needing resolution, implying more complexity than a simple list.

work in progress

Focuses on the dynamic, ongoing nature of the items, not just the list itself.

FAQs

How can I use "unfinished list" in a sentence?

You can use "unfinished list" to describe a collection of items that are not yet completed. For example, "I have an "unfinished list" of tasks to do before the end of the week."

What is a good alternative to "unfinished list"?

Alternatives include "incomplete list", "partial list", or "outstanding items", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "uncompleted list" instead of "unfinished list"?

While "uncompleted list" is understandable, "unfinished list" is more common and idiomatic. It is generally preferred in most contexts.

What's the difference between an "unfinished list" and a "to-do list"?

A "to-do list" is a list of tasks to be completed, while an "unfinished list" implies a list that was started but not yet fully completed, regardless of its original purpose.