unsecured

adjective

un·​se·​cured ˌən-si-ˈkyu̇rd 

-ˈkyərd

: not protected or free from danger or risk of loss : not secured

unsecured cargo

unsecured funds

an unsecured loan

Synonyms of unsecured

• loosened
• loose
• insecure
• slack
• detached

Examples of unsecured in a Sentence

an unsecured luggage rack on top of the car that was a hazard to other vehicles on the road

Recent Examples on the Web

Most borrowers assume, and rightfully so, that their unsecured debts simply age out and fall off their credit reports after seven years. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks are listed in the filing among the largest unsecured creditors. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026

And in the interest of being neighborly, Eckhoff recommends bringing inside unsecured outdoor objects like recycling bins, trash cans or furniture that isn't tied down. —Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsecured

• allured
• assured
• contoured
• endured
• ensured
• insured
• inured
• manured
• matured
• obscured
• procured
• secured

Legal Definition

unsecured

adjective

un·​se·​cured

ˌən-si-ˈkyu̇rd

: not secured: as

a

: not guaranteed or protected as to payment, performance, or satisfaction by a security interest or by property given or pledged as security

unsecured debt

an unsecured claim

b

: characterized by a lack of security or of a security interest

unsecured status