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List of Words With "Un" for Kids

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.

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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 "Un" Words

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.

Words Beginning With "Un"

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

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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

Prefix Un Words List

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.

Commonly Used "Un" Words for Kids

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

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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

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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

Prefix Un Word List
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:

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.

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