unsafe

adjective

un·​safe ˌən-ˈsāf How to pronounce unsafe (audio)
unsafer; unsafest
Synonyms of unsafenext
: 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.
Cambodian workers who power the country’s export economy remain exposed to unsafe working conditions, poverty wages and systematic union suppression. Tharo Khun, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026 For many of us, the date stamped on a package feels like a hard line between what is safe and unsafe. Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026 River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 Last week, investigators deemed it unsafe. Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsafe. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsafe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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