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

Opponents have branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

Opponents branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities. — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

In addition to homeless pets coming through the shelter, there has also been a huge increase in the amount of pet owners in need of help, seeking resources or found to have pets in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. — Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026

The documents released Tuesday showed city officials at the time knew conditions at the long-smoldering pit made the air there unsafe to breathe, despite repeatedly assuring New Yorkers the opposite. — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsafe

• vouchsafe
• chafe
• safe
• waif