Uncollected

Uncollected is an adjective formed from the prefix un- and the verb collected. It describes items, amounts, or data that have not been gathered, retrieved, or received. The term is widely used in financial, administrative, and data contexts to indicate that something expected or due has not yet been obtained.

In finance and accounting, uncollected typically refers to receivables or revenues that have not been paid or realized. Examples include uncollected debts, uncollected rents, or uncollected taxes. Organizations monitor uncollected amounts through aging reports and may reclassify them over time, potentially leading to write-offs if collection becomes unlikely. The concept is closely tied to risk and liquidity management.

In public administration and municipal services, uncollected can describe fines, fees, or service charges that remain unpaid, as well as revenue that has not been accrued as anticipated. In some contexts, municipalities may report uncollected revenue as a financial risk and implement enforcement or collection efforts.

In data collection and research, uncollected data refers to data points that were not gathered or are missing from a dataset, which can affect analysis and conclusions. Methods to address uncollected data include imputation, weighting, or survey design adjustments.

In logistics and services, uncollected may describe shipments, mail, or waste that was not retrieved or picked up as scheduled. The term emphasizes the absence or failure to obtain an item or amount that was expected.

Etymology: from un- + collected, reflecting a lack or absence of collection. See also collect, collection, uncollected funds.