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unsafe

unsafe

93 1.1
Likely to cause harm to people or damage to things
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈseɪf/
translation icon : inseguro
  • I don't wanna put you in an unsafe situation.
  • feel unsafe
  • unsafe conditions
  • unsafe neighborhoods

CBD is not unsafe, but it's not without risks.

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Examples

  • And in this unsafe world, I want to arm you.

  • People were claiming they were unsafe working with this employee.

  • In a culture where people people feel it's unsafe to own property.

  • And it's like unsafe for women and all this stuff, right?

  • Students often reported feeling unsafe in locations where no adults were present.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The federal government finally banned the use of unsafe levels of lead in house paint in 1978.

    Academic text (1995)
  • CERES further requires firms to explain how they will prevent the unsafe use of their products by consumers.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Such a cure required struggles against low wages, unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and for social insurance.

    Academic text (1995)
  • But because of unsafe conditions like this, The unions are demanding higher wages, And the insurance companies won't cover your risk.

  • We are going to leave the station because it is now unsafe to be here.

Synonyms

dangerous
vsunsafe
1.5

Likely to cause harm or injury

is broader, meaning a general absence of protection rather than immediate danger
risky
vsunsafe
269 3.6

Likely to cause loss, harm, or danger

focuses more on physical harm or danger rather than broad risk types
hazardous
vsunsafe
98 5.2

Likely to cause harm or danger

is more general, referring to everyday lack of protection rather than technical risk
perilous
vsunsafe
43 7.5

Full of danger that could cause harm

covers less extreme situations that may still cause harm
insecure
vsunsafe
23 3.5

Not safe and likely to be damaged, like a building or job

emphasizes likelihood of harm rather than general vulnerability or instability

Antonyms

1.0

Not likely to be harmed or in danger

How Safe

secure
  • Specialized
31 4.7
safe
1.0
unsafe
93 1.1
risky
269 3.6
dangerous
1.5

Surface Forms

unsafe positive
unsafer comparative
unsafest superlative

Morphology

unsafe = safe (transparent) = un + safe

The meaning is a straightforward negation 'not safe' formed by productive prefixation with un- and will be clear to a typical learner who knows 'safe'.

Etymology

Unsafe comes from the parts un- 'not' and safe 'free from harm', so it literally means 'not safe'. That's why unsafe describes people, places, or things that may cause danger or risk.