Word
uncharted
Phoneticsun·chart·ed
US/ənˈtʃɑɹtɪd/
UK/ʌntʃˈɑːtɪd/
Definition
adj. describes a place or situation that is completely new and has not been mapped or experienced before. You use this when you are doing something for the first time.
adj. describes a geographical area not recorded on a map or, figuratively, a situation that is unfamiliar and lacks precedents. Often used to describe innovative or risky ventures.
Examples
“The ship sailed into uncharted waters.”
“The company is entering uncharted territory with its latest move into the renewable energy market.”
“Navigating the ethical implications of artificial intelligence feels like exploring uncharted territory, as existing legal frameworks fail to address the rapid pace of technological change.”
Examples
simple
“The ship sailed into uncharted waters.”
contextual
“The company is entering uncharted territory with its latest move into the renewable energy market.”
complex
“Navigating the ethical implications of artificial intelligence feels like exploring uncharted territory, as existing legal frameworks fail to address the rapid pace of technological change.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before nouns like 'waters', 'territory', or 'regions'.
Pitfall
uncharted territorys
uncharted territory
When used figuratively, 'territory' is often treated as uncountable or part of a fixed singular phrase.
Real-World Examples
“The United States and Canada have entered into uncharted territory.” “It’s uncharted territory for me, and something I could never have done at the time.”
Actually rather erudite … Tom Read Wilson limbering up for his bawdy A-Z.” Etymology
From un- + charted. Piecewise doublet of uncarded.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/uncharted