'unenlightened' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'enlightened', which comes from the Old English 'inlihtan', where 'in-' meant 'in' and 'lihtan' meant 'to light'.

'enlightened' changed from the Old English word 'inlihtan' and eventually became the modern English word 'enlightened'.

Initially, it meant 'to bring light or knowledge', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking knowledge or awareness'.