unfired

Unfired is an adjective describing something that has not yet been subjected to firing, ignition, or other high-temperature processing. In common usage it appears in contexts such as ceramics, brick production, and firearms, where firing or ignition is a standard step in the process.

In ceramics and pottery, unfired objects are in the greenware or leather-hard stages before being fired in a kiln. Firing permanently alters the material, creating ceramic strength, vitrification, and glaze fusion. After firing, pieces are described as fired or glazed-fired.

In brick manufacture, unfired bricks are formed and dried but not yet fired. They may be air-dried or sun-dried and are typically weaker until kiln-fired or once cured in other processes; proper firing produces the brick's properties such as hardness and weather resistance.

In firearms and ammunition, unfired refers to a cartridge or round that has not been discharged; a firearm with an unfired round may still present a danger if the primer is struck or the cartridge is malformed. The term is used in safety, storage, and inventory contexts.