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 of unsafe

• dangerous
• hazardous
• risky
• perilous

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

Vulnerable communities are at risk Vulnerable communities, including those with health conditions and people who are unhoused or work outdoors, have endured disproportionate effects from the unsafe air quality. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

On Wednesday evening, the department held a community meeting to unveil its new education and enforcement campaign targeting unsafe and unlawful behavior on the electric vehicles. — Rose Evans july 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

Democrats in Congress recently introduced a bill that would deem polystyrene unsafe for food packaging. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Produce that has come into contact with floodwater should also be considered unsafe to eat. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsafe

• vouchsafe
• chafe
• safe
• waif