
A prefix is a short group of letters that is added to the beginning of a word in order to change its meaning.
Un- is an Old English prefix that means not.
It is like a secret code that, when added to the start of a word, signifies the opposite or the reversal of a base word's meaning. For example, undo means to reverse an action, unseen means not seen, and unlock means to free something from a locked state.
Once you have identified the base word, you can usually work out what an un- word means even if you’ve never come across it before. You’ll become an expert at un- words in no time with our spelling activities!
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unwell |
Peter had been feeling unwell all morning.
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unable |
The boy tried to push the door, but he was unable to open it.
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unhappy |
When she lost the race, Rosie was very unhappy.
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untidy |
His handwriting is just an untidy scrawl.
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untrained |
The dog kept barking at the door because he was untrained.
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unlucky |
We were unlucky to lose the game by one goal.
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unpopular |
The politician is immensely unpopular.
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unpick |
He wanted to unpick the stitches and start his sewing from scratch.
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unseen |
The exam includes unseen poems.
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unusual |
We have had an unusual amount of rain this month.
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undo |
The knot was too tight to undo.
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untie |
The girl could not untie her laces.
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Learn this spelling list using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' activity.
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
Spelling games using the word list: Words beginning with the prefix un-
Autumn Anagram
A spelling game for Autumn!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Test yourself using the 'Listen and Spell' spelling test.
Print worksheets and activities: Words beginning with the prefix un-
Handwriting worksheets: Words beginning with the prefix un-
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
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