Meaning & Definition of word "Unsafe"
to
Unsafe
/ʌnˈseɪf/
adjective:
- 1. not safe; likely to cause harm or injury.
- Example: The workers were in an unsafe environment without proper safety gear.
- 2. not secure; likely to be attacked or harmed.
- Example: The area became increasingly unsafe due to rising crime rates.
- 3. not reliable; risky or dubious.
- Example: Investing in that startup seems unsafe given their lack of experience.
- 4. not protected from danger; exposing to potential harm.
- Example: The bridge was noted to be unsafe after the recent storm.
- 5. capable of causing danger or harm.
- Example: The chemicals were stored in an unsafe manner, leading to potential spills.
Etymology
From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'safe', derived from Middle English 'safe', from Old French 'saf', from Latin 'saluus'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
unsafe at any speed:
A phrase indicating that a situation is dangerous regardless of circumstances.
playing it unsafe:
Engaging in risky behavior or actions.
unsafe harbor:
A place or situation that is not secure or stable.
Related Words
safety:
The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger.
dangerous:
Able or likely to cause harm or injury.
risk:
A situation involving exposure to danger.
Slang Meanings of unsafe
Meaning: Sketchy
Example Sentence: That neighborhood feels really sketchy at night.
Meaning: Shady
Example Sentence: He's got some shady business dealings that make me feel uneasy.