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
From Benzie County to Allegan County, Lake Michigan conditions are unsafe for swimmers (including beach walkers near piers) as waves will range from 2-6 feet high with rip currents.
—
Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Over the holiday weekend, many people looking to cool off from the summer heat were disappointed as some beaches were closed or authorities advised against swimming because of unsafe levels of bacteria.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The agency has since faced allegations of misconduct, including inadequate medical care, unsafe living conditions, and preventable deaths in detention facilities.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
If an administration argues that unrest makes elections unsafe, the courts might eventually push back—but the disruption alone could erode confidence in the process.
—Aron Solomon
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsafe
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.
Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Over the holiday weekend, many people looking to cool off from the summer heat were disappointed as some beaches were closed or authorities advised against swimming because of unsafe levels of bacteria.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The agency has since faced allegations of misconduct, including inadequate medical care, unsafe living conditions, and preventable deaths in detention facilities.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
If an administration argues that unrest makes elections unsafe, the courts might eventually push back—but the disruption alone could erode confidence in the process.
—Aron Solomon
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsafe
Cite this Entry
“Unsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsafe. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share