Unopened means not yet opened or still sealed. When you receive a birthday present that's unopened, the wrapping paper is still intact and you haven't yet discovered what's inside. An unopened letter sits on the table with its envelope still sealed, its contents a mystery until someone decides to read it.

The word usually describes packages, containers, or messages that remain in their original, sealed condition. A grocery store might return unopened boxes to a supplier, or you might find an unopened can of paint in the garage from a project your parents started years ago. Teachers sometimes ask students to leave certain unopened envelopes for their parents, keeping the contents private until they get home.

Something unopened carries a sense of possibility and anticipation. That unopened book on your shelf waits for you to open it and discover its story. An unopened bag of chips promises freshness because air hasn't gotten inside yet. The word suggests both protection (the contents are safe and untouched) and potential (whatever's inside is still waiting to be experienced or used).