unobserved

adjective

un·​ob·​served ˌən-əb-ˈzərvd How to pronounce unobserved (audio)
: not noticed or perceived : not observed
The two vessels slipped out of Plymouth, unobserved by Spanish spies …Samuel Eliot Morison
A welcoming place is almost by definition someplace out of sight, someplace private and unobserved.Jane Kramer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Infinitely many universes, unobserved? David Marchesephoto Illustration By Bráulio Amado, New York Times, 17 July 2022 By observing the universe with longer wavelengths of light than other space telescopes use, Webb can study the beginning of time more closely, hunt for unobserved formations among the first galaxies, and peer inside dust clouds where stars and planetary systems are currently forming. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 25 Aug. 2022 Additionally, users should clearly understand how their data is being used—and know how to opt out or to remain unobserved in a public space that might contain emotion-sensing agents. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2021 Nose-pickers and gossipers could do their business in the aisles unobserved. Justin Papp, Dallas News, 12 Jan. 2023 Like flossing, or licking Bolognese sauce from the bottom of a bowl, locking up your bike is a task meant to be experienced alone, unobserved. Curbed, 29 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unobserved.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unobserved was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near unobserved

Cite this Entry

“Unobserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unobserved. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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