Word
unsafe
Phoneticsun·safe, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈseɪf/
UK/ʌnsˈeɪf/
Definitions
01dangerous
A2 · Elementary
adj. dangerous and likely to cause harm or an accident.
adj. not safe; involving or exposing someone to risk, danger, or harm.
“The old wooden bridge was unsafe to cross after the heavy rain.”
“The building inspector declared the structure unsafe for habitation due to significant cracks in the foundation and faulty electrical wiring.”
02legal verdict
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
adj. used to describe a legal decision that is probably wrong or unfair.
adj. referring to a legal conviction or verdict that is considered likely to be a miscarriage of justice.
“The court decided the original conviction was unsafe because of new evidence.”
“The appeals court ruled the verdict unsafe, citing the prosecution's failure to disclose critical forensic evidence during the initial trial.”
Usage
In British legal contexts, 'unsafe' is the standard term for a conviction that must be overturned.
Synonyms
03to prepare a weapon
C2 · Proficiency Technical
v. to change a gun's setting so it is ready to fire.
v. to remove the safety catch or mechanism from a firearm to make it ready for discharge.
“The soldier was ordered to unsafe his weapon as they approached the target.”
“The protocol requires the operator to unsafe the device only after confirming the target's coordinates and receiving final clearance.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb and is relatively rare outside of military or technical manuals.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From un- (not) + safe.
From un- (reversive prefix) + safe.
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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