List of Words With "Un" for Kids
Table of Contents
Learning new words becomes so much easier when children understand how prefixes work. A prefix is just a small part added to the beginning of a word, and it can totally change the word's meaning. One of the easiest prefixes for kids to start with is "un".
"Un" words are a great way to help children understand opposites. For example, happy becomes unhappy, and lock becomes unlock. Once kids get the hang of what "un" means, they can figure out the meaning of many new words on their own.
In this blog, we have a simple word list, with meanings, pictures, and activities to help children learn un-words confidently.
What Are Prefixes?
Prefixes are small word parts added to the beginning of another word. When we add a prefix, the meaning of the word changes. For example, adding un- to kind makes the opposite, unkind.
What Does the Prefix "Un" Mean?
Meaning of "Un"
The prefix "un" means "not" or "the opposite of." When we add un- to the beginning of a word, the meaning changes completely.
For example:
- safe → unsafe (not safe)
- fair → unfair (not fair)
More Prefix "Un" Examples
Here are some simple and common examples of words with un-:
- happy → unhappy
- lock → unlock
- kind → unkind
- wrap → unwrap
- tidy → untidy
List of "Un" Words - Pictures

List of Words With the Prefix "Un"
Here are some easy and commonly used words that begin with the prefix "un". These examples help children clearly see how adding "un" changes a word's meaning to its opposite.
|
Un- Word |
Meaning |
|
Unhappy |
Not happy; sad |
|
Unkind |
Not kind; behaving in a hurtful way |
|
Unlock |
To open something that is locked |
|
Unfair |
Not fair; not equal |
|
Unsafe |
Not safe; dangerous |
|
Unclean |
Not clean; dirty |
|
Untidy |
Messy; not neat |
|
Unwrap |
To open or remove a cover/wrapping |
|
Unplug |
Remove a plug from the socket |
|
Unwell |
Not feeling healthy |
|
Uncertain |
Not sure |
|
Unable |
Not able to do something |
|
Unbroken |
Not broken |
|
Uncut |
Not cut or sliced |
|
Unseen |
Something you cannot see |
|
Unheard |
Not heard |
|
Unusual |
Not usual; something different |
|
Unwanted |
Not wanted |
|
Unclear |
Not clear; confusing |
|
Unlucky |
Not lucky |
|
Unready |
Not ready |
|
Untrue |
Not true |
|
Unpaid |
Not paid |
|
Unfit |
Not suitable or not healthy |
|
Uncertain |
Not sure about something |
|
Uncover |
To remove a cover |
|
Unfold |
To open something that is folded |
|
Unfreeze |
To return to normal after being frozen |
|
Unfollow |
To stop following someone (social media) |
|
Unpack |
To take things out of a bag or box |
Words Beginning With "Un"
Here are simple, kid-friendly words that start with "un". These will help your child quickly recognize how the prefix creates the opposite meaning of the root word.

4 Letter Words With Prefix Un
These are simple and great for early readers:
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
undo |
to reverse or cancel |
|
unit |
a single part of something |
|
unto |
old word meaning "to" |
|
undy |
striped or waved (rare) |
|
unai |
a type of sloth |
|
unab |
to open (rare) |
|
unau |
two-toed sloth |
|
unbe |
to cease to be (very rare) |
|
unci |
a unit in ancient Rome |
|
unco |
strange or unusual (Scottish) |
|
undy |
wavy pattern |
|
unio |
pearl-producing mussel |
5 Letter Words With Prefix Un
These words are perfect for children learning slightly bigger words:
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
unfit |
not fit |
|
unset |
not set |
|
uncut |
not cut |
|
under |
below |
|
until |
up to the time |
|
unpin |
remove a pin |
|
unbox |
remove from a box |
|
unarm |
remove weapons |
|
uncap |
remove a cap/lid |
|
unmap |
remove mapping |
|
unman |
make someone lose courage |
|
unban |
remove a ban |
|
unbar |
remove a bar/block |
|
unpeg |
remove a peg |
|
unlid |
remove a lid |
6 Letter Words With Prefix Un
These words are good for vocabulary building:
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
unfair |
not fair |
|
unpack |
open a packed item |
|
unsafe |
not safe |
|
unlike |
not like |
|
unkind |
not kind |
|
unseen |
not seen |
|
unfold |
open something folded |
|
unpaid |
not paid |
|
unwell |
not healthy |
|
unmade |
not made |
|
unused |
not used |
|
untidy |
not neat |
|
unroll |
open something rolled |
|
unlock |
open a lock |
|
unwind |
relax / unroll |
7 Letter Words With Prefix Un
Here are some 7-letter words that begin with "un". These slightly longer words will help children expand their vocabulary.
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
unclear |
not clear |
|
uncover |
remove a cover |
|
unready |
not ready |
|
uneasy |
not comfortable |
|
unequal |
not equal |
|
unknown |
not known |
|
unusual |
not usual |
|
unlucky |
not lucky |
|
unhappy |
not happy |
|
unshake |
unable to shake |
|
unspent |
not used up |
|
untried |
not tried |
|
untamed |
not controlled |
|
unasked |
not asked |
|
unarmed |
without weapons |
8 Letter Words With Prefix Un
These longer words are helpful for older kids:
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
unbroken |
not broken |
|
unhappy |
not happy |
|
unspoken |
not spoken |
|
unsafely |
in an unsafe way |
|
unwanted |
not wanted |
|
uncommon |
not common |
|
unending |
without end |
|
unafraid |
not afraid |
|
unsoiled |
clean, not dirty |
|
unsteady |
not steady |
|
untangle |
remove knots |
|
unloader |
a person/machine that unloads |
|
unheated |
not heated |
|
unloving |
not loving |
|
unfrozen |
not frozen |
Prefix Un Words and Their Meaning

|
Word |
Meaning (Child-Friendly) |
|
Unhappy |
Feeling sad or not happy |
|
Unlock |
To open something that is locked |
|
Unfair |
Not fair or not equal |
|
Unsafe |
Not safe or dangerous |
|
Unkind |
Not nice or hurtful |
|
Untidy |
Messy or not clean |
|
Unwrap |
To open something wrapped |
|
Unplug |
To take out a plug from an electrical socket |
|
Unwell |
Not feeling healthy or sick |
|
Unable |
Not able to do something |
|
Unseen |
Not seen or hidden |
|
Unfair |
Not right or honest |
|
Unclear |
Not easy to understand |
|
Unfold |
To open something folded |
|
Untrue |
Not true or false |
Commonly Used "Un" Words for Kids
Here are some everyday "un" words that kids hear and use a lot. These words are simple and easy to remember.

|
Un Words |
Un Words |
|
Unhappy |
Unlock |
|
Unfair |
Unsafe |
|
Unkind |
Untidy |
|
Unwrap |
Unplug |
|
Unwell |
Unable |
|
Unseen |
Unclear |
|
Unfold |
Untie |
|
Uncover |
Unread |
|
Unused |
Unload |
|
Unpack |
Unroll |
|
Unfit |
Unzip |
|
Unlace |
Unwind |
|
Unwrap |
Untouch |
|
Unlearn |
Unblock |
|
Unshaped |
Unarmed |
Positive Words That Start With "Un"
Not all words with the prefix "un" are negative! Some "un" words are positive and encouraging. Here are some positive "un" words your child can learn and use:
|
Positive "Un" Word |
Meaning |
|
Unstoppable |
Cannot be stopped; very determined |
|
Unique |
One of a kind; special |
|
United |
Together as one; working as a team |
|
Uplifting |
Making someone feel happy or hopeful |
|
Unbreakable |
Very strong; cannot be broken |
|
Unforgettable |
So special you will always remember it |
|
Unbeatable |
Too good to lose; the best |
|
Unshakable |
Strong and steady; not easily moved |
|
Unwavering |
Steady and not changing |
|
Unclouded |
Clear and bright; not confused |
|
Undaunted |
Not afraid; brave |
|
Unfailing |
Always reliable and strong |
|
Unburdened |
Free from worries or problems |
|
Unfolding |
Opening up and growing |
|
Unleashed |
Let free to be powerful or creative |
|
Unstressed |
Calm and not worried |
|
Unstinting |
Giving freely without holding back |
|
Unflappable |
Staying calm even in tough times |
|
Unhesitating |
Acting quickly without doubt or delay |
|
Unending |
Never stopping; going on forever |
Words With Prefix "Un" and "Dis"
The prefixes "un" and "dis" both often mean "not" or show the opposite of a word. But they are used with different types of words, and sometimes their meanings are a little different.
Here's a simple way to understand them:
- Un- is mostly used with adjectives and some verbs to show the opposite or "not."
- Dis- is often used with verbs and some adjectives to show "not," "away," or "the reverse of."
When to Use "Un" or "Dis"
|
Prefix |
Used With |
Meaning Example |
|
Un- |
Adjectives (describing words), some verbs |
unhappy = not happy, unlock = open something locked |
|
Dis- |
Verbs (action words), sometimes adjectives |
disagree = not agree, dislike = not like |
Examples Comparing "Un" and "Dis" Words
|
Un- Word |
Dis- Word |
Meaning |
|
unkind |
dishonest |
unkind = not kind; dishonest = not honest |
|
unsafe |
disconnect |
unsafe = not safe; disconnect = to take apart |
|
unhappy |
disagree |
unhappy = not happy; disagree = not agree |
|
unlock |
distrust |
unlock = open; distrust = not trust |
|
unfair |
disappear |
unfair = not fair; disappear = go away or vanish |
|
unclear |
disable |
unclear = not clear; disable = make unable |
|
unpaid |
disconnect |
unpaid = not paid; disconnect = separate |
|
untie |
disobey |
untie = loosen; disobey = not obey |
Prefix "Un" Example Sentences
Here are some simple and easy sentences using "un" words:
- I feel unhappy when it rains all day.
- Please unlock the door so we can go inside.
- The game was unfair because one team cheated.
- It is unsafe to run near the swimming pool.
- Don't be unkind to your friends.
- My room is untidy, so I need to clean it.
- Can you help me unwrap this gift?
- Remember to unplug the charger after using it.
- She was unwell and stayed home from school.
- I was unable to finish my homework yesterday.
- The cat stayed unseen behind the sofa.
- The teacher's instructions were unclear to me.
- Please unfold the map so we can see it.
- I will untie my shoelaces after the race.
- Let's uncover the treasure chest carefully.
Activities That Will Help Your Child Learn "Un" Words
Learning new words is more fun when children get to play and practice! Here are some easy and exciting activities to help your child understand and remember "un" words better:
1. Matching Activities
Create cards with "un" words on one set and their meanings or pictures on another. Ask your child to match the word with the correct meaning or image. This helps build word recognition and understanding.
2. Flashcards
Make flashcards with "un" words on one side and simple definitions or pictures on the other. Use them for quick practice, games, or quizzes. Flashcards are great for memory and repetition.
3. Prefix Sorting Game
Write down words with different prefixes like un-, dis-, re-, and others on cards. Mix them up and ask your child to sort the cards into groups by their prefixes. This teaches kids how prefixes change word meanings.
4. Story Making Using "Un" Words
Encourage your child to create short stories using as many "un" words as possible. For example: "The unhappy cat tried to unlock the door but found it was unsafe outside."
Prefix Un Worksheets


Learning the prefix "un" is an easy way for children to understand new words. When kids know that "un" means "not" or "the opposite of," they can quickly figure out the meaning of many words on their own. This helps them read better, understand more, and feel confident with new vocabulary.
With simple examples, fun activities, and practice, children can use "un" words in daily life like, unhappy, unlock, unsafe, and unfair. As they learn more, reading and writing become easier and more enjoyable.
Related:
- Check out our blog on Words That Start With G For Kids.
- Check out our blog on List of Words with "ED" for Kids.
- Check out our blog on 3 Letter Words in English for Kids.
- Check out our blog on Words That Start With 'Y' For Kids.
- Check out our blog on Words That Start With 'X' For Kids.
FAQs
1. What does the prefix "Un" mean?
The prefix "un" means "not" or "the opposite of." When you add it to the beginning of a word, it changes the meaning completely. For example, happy becomes unhappy, which means "not happy." This simple rule helps kids understand many new words quickly.
2. Is "un" always used to show the opposite?
In most cases, yes. The prefix "un" is mainly used to show the opposite meaning, like unsafe (not safe) or unkind (not kind). Sometimes, it can also mean to "reverse" an action, like untie (reverse tying) or unwrap (remove wrapping). But in general, it usually shows the opposite.
3. What is a 10-letter word that starts with "Un"?
There are many long "un" words in English. Examples include unbeliever, unavoidable, and unprotected. These words are longer and more advanced, but they show how useful the prefix "un" is in forming new meanings.
4. Can a word end with "un"?
Yes, a few simple English words end with "un." They do not use the prefix "un," but they are still real words. Some examples are sun, bun, nun, and shun. These are common words children may already know.
5. What words start with "Un"?
Many everyday words begin with "un." Some easy examples for kids are unhappy, unlock, untie, unfair, unsafe, and unkind. Learning these words helps children understand opposites, build vocabulary, and improve reading skills in a fun way.



























