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unalert

unalert

6.9
Not paying attention to danger or what is happening
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnəˈlɜrt/
translation icon : desatento
  • He felt unalert during the lecture.

Examples

  • She felt unalert after staying up much too late the night before.

  • Drivers who are unalert may cause accidents on busy roads.

  • The guard was unalert, missing the intruder as he slipped through the gate.

  • The soldier was unalert to the approaching enemy.

  • The hikers were unalert to the signs of a storm approaching until it was almost too late.

  • After staying up all night, he felt unalert and struggled to focus during the meeting.

  • The driver was unalert and didn't notice the traffic signal change, causing a near accident.

Synonyms

incautious
vsunalert
1 6.7

Not careful about possible danger or harm

is about not paying attention to danger rather than careless action
unvigilant
vsunalert
8.7

Not watching carefully for danger or problems

is the same idea but expressed with a different word
unwatchful
vsunalert
7.3

Not paying attention makes you miss danger or problems

is broader covering both danger and general lack of attention
off (one's) guard
vsunalert
5.8

Not paying attention and not ready for surprise or danger

focuses on lack of attention rather than lack of preparation

Antonyms

82 2.8

Quick to notice and respond to what is happening

How Alert

vigilant
66 6.0
watchful
37 3.2
alert
82 2.8
inattentive
5 5.3
unalert
6.9
unaware
175 2.9

Surface Forms

unalert positive

Morphology

unalert = alert (transparent) = un + alert

The prefix 'un-' clearly negates the adjective 'alert', making the meaning straightforward.

Etymology

Unalert joins the prefix un- meaning 'not' with alert meaning 'ready and watchful'. So, unalert means not paying attention to danger or to what is happening.