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.
Because the vapors are hazardous, scattering moth balls around your closet is always unsafe. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025 Of course, that is less of a warning and more of a challenge to devotees of hazmat whiskey, a term that indicates that the liquid is bottled at more than 140 proof and deemed unsafe by the FAA to bring onboard aircraft due to its volatility. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025 The company said the buildings were unsafe and presented a risk to the neighborhood ahead of possible future redevelopment. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025 The concern is that FDA will not remove unsafe ingredients, and then the states are preempted from doing so, leaving Americans unprotected. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsafe. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsafe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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