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

Andrews, the Senate’s first female physician and first pediatrician, credits her stance on gun control to her experience treating children who have unintentionally shot themselves after finding an unsecured firearm. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2026

This approach can help consumers experiencing financial hardship settle eligible unsecured debt for less than the full amount owed, with experienced professionals negotiating on their behalf. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Personal loans are typically unsecured loans by default and many lenders don't offer the option to secure the loan with any collateral. — Dan Avery,jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Those in support of rezoning expressed concerns about the dust, air quality and Crown’s track record of not taking care of the neighborhood, which has included leaving vacant homes unsecured and messy. — Jena Brooker, ProPublica, 29 Oct. 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