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

The vast indoor mall had a six-decade run as a top retail destination and gathering place for the Southwest Side’s West Lawn community, but a growing number of empty stores and unsafe conditions led city officials to file a lawsuit and force its closure. — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

But the overwhelming majority (88%) of the requests in 2025 came from American citizens who felt unsafe within their own borders. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 20 June 2026

They are packed by smugglers into small and unsafe boats, with thousands dying during the perilous sea journey. — ABC News, 19 June 2026

Remaining inside a vehicle during a tornado is unsafe. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsafe

• vouchsafe
• chafe
• safe
• waif