Word
unarmed
Phoneticsun·armed, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈnɑɹmd/
UK/ʌnˈɑːmd/
Definitions
01without weapons
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not carrying or using any weapons like guns or knives.
adj. lacking weapons or means of physical defence; typically used of persons or groups.
“The police realized the suspect was unarmed and lowered their guns.”
“International law provides specific protections for unarmed civilians during times of conflict, though these are frequently violated in modern warfare.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02without thorns or claws
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. not having thorns, stingers, or sharp claws to defend itself.
adj. lacking natural defensive appendages such as thorns, spines, or talons.
“This specific type of cactus is unarmed and safe to touch.”
“The botanist noted that the specimen was entirely unarmed, lacking the characteristic prickles found on related species in the same genus.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03without a telescope
C2 · Proficiency Science Archaic
adj. using only your eyes to see, without the help of a telescope or microscope.
adj. referring to vision or observation conducted without the aid of optical instruments.
“In the old book, the sailor described seeing the distant island with his unarmed eye.”
“The eighteenth-century astronomer recorded several celestial phenomena that were barely perceptible to the unarmed vision of his assistants.”
Usage
In modern English, 'naked eye' is almost always used instead of 'unarmed eye'.
Real-World Examples
“Nidal Hasan killed 13 unarmed soldiers at a base in Texas in 2009, injuring another 32.” “Such measures had been taken in places like Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, after public outcry over the police killings of unarmed Black people, including Floyd.” Etymology
From un- + armed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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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englishreference.com/q/unarmed