unsafe

adjective

un·​safe ˌən-ˈsāf 

unsafer; unsafest

: not safe: such as

a

: able or likely to cause harm, damage, or loss

water that is unsafe to drink

unsafe driving habits

unsafe levels of lead

b

: not giving protection from danger, harm, or loss

an unsafe vehicle

unsafe working conditions

c

: not protected from danger, harm, or loss

feeling frightened and unsafe

d

: likely to take risks : not careful

unsafe drivers

Synonyms

• dangerous
• grave
• grievous
• hazardous
• jeopardizing
• menacing
• parlous
• perilous
• risky
• serious
• threatening
• unhealthy
• venturesome

Examples of unsafe in a Sentence

workers are forbidden from engaging in unsafe activities on company time

people who have a record of being unsafe drivers usually have to pay higher insurance premiums

Recent Examples on the Web

Property acquisitions and building renovations create a vast landscape filled with diverse challenges, from soil contamination and unsafe water to hazardous structures and other environmental risks. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024

Lead — unsafe to be applied to skin — can lead to hair loss, skin deterioration and even death from prolonged lead poisoning, The Mirror reported. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

These often include links in the description that redirect to unsafe sites hosting malware, adware or phishing pages. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024

Often, these sites provide an opportunity for unsafe toys, such as those that have been recalled, to resurface. —Mia Taylor, Parents, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above