‘未竟’ is a formal literary adjective meaning ‘uncompleted’ or ‘unfinished’, typically describing tasks, goals, projects, or endeavors that have not yet reached completion. The character 未 means ‘not yet’, while 竟 means ‘to finish’ or ‘to reach the end’—together, they literally convey ‘not yet finished’. It carries a tone of solemnity or regret, often implying something important was left undone due to circumstance, time constraints, or unexpected interruption.

This word is rarely used in casual speech and appears most often in written Chinese—especially in essays, obituaries, historical accounts, or reflective narratives. It commonly modifies nouns like 事业 (career), 事业 (cause), 志向 (aspiration), or 遗愿 (last wish). Because of its elevated register, it’s inappropriate in everyday contexts like texting or chatting with friends; learners should reserve it for formal writing or solemn spoken remarks.