UNFLEDGED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unfledged mean? 

• UNFLEDGED (adjective)
  The adjective UNFLEDGED has 3 senses:

1. (of birds) not yet having developed feathers

2. (of an arrow) not equipped with feathers

3. young and inexperienced

  Familiarity information: UNFLEDGED used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNFLEDGED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of birds) not yet having developed feathers

Synonyms:

immature; unfledged

Context example:

a small unfledged sparrow on the window sill

Similar:

unfeathered (not having feathers)

Antonym:

fledged ((of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of an arrow) not equipped with feathers

Synonyms:

fledgeless; unfledged; unvaned

Context example:

shot an unfledged arrow

Similar:

featherless; unfeathered (having no feathers)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Young and inexperienced

Synonyms:

callow; fledgling; unfledged

Context example:

an unfledged lawyer

Similar:

inexperienced; inexperient (lacking practical experience or training)

 Context examples 

"The little Durands were there, I conclude," said she, "with their mouths open to catch the music, like unfledged sparrows ready to be fed. They never miss a concert."

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

"Boy and girl. Aren't they beauties?" said the proud papa, beaming upon the little red squirmers as if they were unfledged angels.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

When I was as old as you, I was a feeling fellow enough, partial to the unfledged, unfostered, and unlucky; but Fortune has knocked me about since: she has even kneaded me with her knuckles, and now I flatter myself I am hard and tough as an India-rubber ball; pervious, though, through a chink or two still, and with one sentient point in the middle of the lump.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)