Word
unmarked
Phoneticsun·marked, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈmɑɹkt/
UK/ʌnmˈɑːkt/
Definition
adj. having no visible signs, labels, or decorations. You use this to describe something that is plain or does not show any clear information.
adj. lacking identifying marks, labels, or distinguishing features. In linguistics, refers to a standard form that is not modified by extra sounds or endings.
Examples
“The police drove an unmarked car to stay hidden.”
“The delivery arrived in an unmarked box, so we had no idea what was inside until we opened it.”
“In many languages, the singular form of a noun is unmarked, while the plural requires an additional suffix to indicate the change in number.”
Examples
simple
“The police drove an unmarked car to stay hidden.”
contextual
“The delivery arrived in an unmarked box, so we had no idea what was inside until we opened it.”
complex
“In many languages, the singular form of a noun is unmarked, while the plural requires an additional suffix to indicate the change in number.”
Usage
Often used to describe vehicles, graves, or packages that lack identification.
Real-World Examples
“The left-back, perhaps surprised to find himself onside and unmarked in front of goal, scuffed his shot badly wide of the far post.” “A cut-back, a scuffed shot and Johan Manzambi was unmarked in the six-yard box to score.” Etymology
From un- + marked.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unmarked