Word
unaffected
Phoneticsun·af·fect·ed, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənəˈfɛktɪd/
UK/ʌnɐfˈɛktɪd/
Definition
adj. not changed or influenced by something. You use this when someone stays calm or something stays the same even when things around them change.
adj. not changed, modified, or influenced by an external factor. Often describes a person's state of mind or the status of a physical object after an event.
Examples
“The old house remained unaffected by the storm.”
“Despite the sudden drop in stock prices, her long-term investment strategy remained unaffected.”
“While many neighboring businesses were forced to close during the recession, the local bakery remained largely unaffected due to its loyal customer base and low overhead costs.”
Examples
simple
“The old house remained unaffected by the storm.”
contextual
“Despite the sudden drop in stock prices, her long-term investment strategy remained unaffected.”
complex
“While many neighboring businesses were forced to close during the recession, the local bakery remained largely unaffected due to its loyal customer base and low overhead costs.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'remain', 'stay', or 'be'.
Pitfall
he was unaffected from the news
he was unaffected by the news
The adjective 'unaffected' typically takes the preposition 'by' to indicate the source of influence.
Real-World Examples
“We found that during the 10 years following a severe flood, the annual overdose death rate in flood-hit counties was 26% higher than in similar unaffected counties.” “Jess Dandy’s Urlicht was delivered with an unaffected directness, her ample mezzo with its oaky lower register a stream of liquid amber.” Etymology
From un- + affected.
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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