unsafe

adjective

un·​safe ˌən-ˈsāf How to pronounce unsafe (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In July, the city construction board declared the house an unsafe structure and gave the owners five days to fix the situation. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025 Playing in unsafe heat can cause immense stress to the body. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025 Nurses say the hospital’s chronic understaffing and unsafe working conditions are jeopardizing patient outcomes and nurse well-being. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025 He was also issued citations for open container, reckless driving, unsafe movement, HOV lane violation, seatbelt violation, and driving left of center, a CMPD press release said. Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsafe

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsafe was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Unsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsafe. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsafe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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