unchecked

adjective un·checked \ ˌən-ˈchekt \

|Updated on: 18 Jul 2018

Definition of unchecked

: not checked: such as

a : not hindered, slowed, or restrained

unchecked growth

b : not verified

unchecked data/information

See unchecked defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of unchecked from the Web

Virginia agencies believe its growth sites are still contained, but if left unchecked, the flowers can easily overrun neighborhoods.

— laura yan, Popular Mechanics, "Giant, Scary Invasive Flower Can Cause Third-Degree Burns," 7 July 2018
Some in the party have claimed that Corbyn, a longtime critic of Israeli actions against the Palestinians, has allowed abuse to go unchecked.

— karin laub, Fox News, "Corbyn: Labour government would quickly recognize Palestine," 22 June 2018
If left unchecked, by 2050 air-conditioners would use as much electricity as China does for all activities today.

— New York Times, "The World Wants Air-Conditioning. That Could Warm the World.," 15 May 2018
Cash flowed into Iran unchecked, eventually funding the terrorists of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis and supporting the quest for an extremist Shiite crescent from the Persian Gulf to Syria’s Mediterranean coast.

— danny danon, WSJ, "Israel and Its Neighbors Need an Iran Deal Overhaul," 30 Apr. 2018
Though focused on developing countries, the initiative directly helps the U.S. because, unchecked, diseases such as Ebola will reach America's shores.

— thomas inglesby, Scientific American, "A Worldwide Effort to Stop Epidemics Is in Peril," 17 Apr. 2018
If biometric surveillance is allowed to proliferate unchecked, the only option left is to protect yourself from it.

— kyle chayka, Newsweek, "Biometric Surveillance Means Someone Is Always Watching," 17 Apr. 2014
If left unchecked, global warming will have devastating ramifications for every living being on this planet.

— The Atlantic, "What Book or Article Would You Make Required Reading for Everyone on Earth?," 26 June 2018
If left unchecked, the star said her new kidney would be at risk of going into rejection, which would force her into dialysis and restart her search for a new kidney.

— jennifer earl, Fox News, "'Modern Family' star Sarah Hyland shares shocking photo of swollen face after hospitalization," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unchecked.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.