# unattended

/ənəˈtɛndɪd/ (US) · /ʌnɐtˈɛndɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unattended
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

describing something that is left alone without anyone watching or taking care of it.

For teachers: not being accompanied, supervised, or cared for by a responsible person. Often used in public safety contexts to describe luggage or vehicles left in a restricted area.

## Examples

- Do not leave your bags unattended at the airport.
- The fire started because a candle was left unattended in the living room while the family was outside.
- Security protocols mandate that any unattended package discovered within the terminal must be reported immediately to the local authorities for inspection and potential disposal.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The bag was unattended from its owner." but "The bag was unattended by its owner." — When expressing who is not watching the object, use the preposition 'by' rather than 'from'.

## Usage notes

- Typically used predicatively after 'leave' or 'remain', or attributively before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.